Completed Project Report


Using EBusiness Tools to Minimize Financial Risks on Western Massachusetts Farms

  • Award Amount: $30,831
  • Regional Center: Northeast Extension Risk Management Education Center
  • Grant Program: 2006 Unrestricted Risk Management Education
  • Project Director:
  • Email: annie@buylocalfood.com
  • Organization: CISA- Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture

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Project Overview

CISA created this program to reduce marketing and financial risks for western Massachusetts farmers by helping them improve their business communications through electronic business tools. Surveys of member farmers found that few had significant skills with online marketing tools, but that they wanted to learn to use computers more effectively to increase sales and expand their markets.

CISA created an 8-workshop series on basic computer literacy, communications strategy and planning, principles of design, and print and e-business (on-line sales, website development, and email promotions) communications. 20 farmers participated in all or part of the program. Nine farms completed or began work on their own e-business marketing plans, including creating web sites, blogs and email newsletters. “Tip Sheets” on e-business strategies were developed and disseminated to reach a wider audience via CISA’s web site, www.buylocalfood.com.

Number of Participants: 20

Outcomes

Project Steps

PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS

There are no promotional materials available for this project.

EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS

There are no educational materials available for this project.

REPORTS & EVALUATIONS

There are no reports or evaluations available for this project.

DELIVERY AREA

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