| PROJECT SUMMARY |
| This multi-faceted strategic risk-management project combines two intensive in-service training projects for Extension agents with two innovative producer-oriented projects targeted at nursery, greenhouse, and landscape operators. All projects are designed to increase knowledge of risks associated with environmental plant production and marketing and strategies that will mitigate such risks. The first project is a hands-on, in-the-field in-service designed to bring agents up-to-speed on the latest research. The second in-service project involves agents and area specialists participating in the annual research conference and educational workshops sponsored by the Southern Nursery Association. The third project involves regional workshops to be held in partnership with the Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association. These will emphasize how to mitigate production, marketing, financial, and human resource risks. The last project consists of area farm management specialists conducting intensive one-on-one planning sessions with clientele using FINPACK to analyze the long-term profitability and risks of their respective operations. |
| NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 1363 |
| TOPICS COVERED |
| Market analysis and outlook |
| Contract production, branded or certified marketing, and value-added enterprises |
| Understanding of economic risks associated with new production technologies |
| Business and strategic planning |
