| PROJECT SUMMARY |
| While Idaho growers are the leading producers of potatoes in the country, they have not seized opportunities in the organic market. Producers could diversify and increase their income potential by entering this specialty market. To meet this opportunity, producers participated in two activities: 1) understanding organic potato marketing, financial and production risks, and 2) developing organic potato marketing and production plans. These activities were conducted during a fall field day, workshops, marketing survey and through one-on-one consulting. Of the 180 project participants, 92 returned evaluations and 70 showed improved understanding of organic potato production and marketing risks. Thirty-one participants indicated they planned to develop organic potato marketing and production plans and 40 contacted the project team for assistance in developing their plans. At the end of this project, eight participants have completed more in-depth planning and two have begun transitioning land to certified organic. |
| NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 180 |
| 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 |
