| PROJECT SUMMARY |
In November 2007, ASAN held its first Community Food Leaders Forum, a conference for southeasterners involved in sustainable farming, direct marketing, and food systems work. Sessions included talks by experienced southeastern producers and organizers as well as facilitated discussions to encourage dialogue and goal-setting. ASAN is now in the process of planning its third forum in November 2009. The forums have provided an opportunity for farmers and ranchers to make plans to collaborate with partners such as marketing and consumer organizations.
ASAN identified additional risk management training needs based on the information collected at the first two forums. ASAN worked with its partners to provide trainings on topics including developing value-added farm products, organic certification, farm business planning, collaborative marketing and pricing strategies. Over 400 farmers and ranchers were assisted through the project and we have seen the development of a number of new farm businesses and collaborations as a result. |
| NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 429 |
| TOPICS COVERED |
| Product and enterprise diversification |
| Marketing strategies, plans and clubs |
| Direct, wholesale, and processing markets |
| Contract production, branded or certified marketing, and value-added enterprises |
| Business and strategic planning |
