Completed Project Report


Ethnic and Specialty crops: from Seed to Market

  • Award Amount: $27,270
  • Regional Center: Northeast Extension Risk Management Education Center
  • Grant Program: 2010 Unrestricted Risk Management Education

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Project Overview

This project focused on solutions that address production, legal, and human risk associated with the ethnic and specialty crops grown mainly by small and limited resource producers. Participants, mainly of immigrant descent, expanded their knowledge and skills in the area of value-added products, food safety, post-harvest technology and import permits for seeds.

Sixty-three participants attended an Immigrant Producer Series of workshops designed to provide risk management education to farmers, using a hands-on approach. Three workshops delivered information on production and enterprise diversification, value-added enterprises, sourcing of seeding materials nationally and internationally, environmental regulations, and food safety liability.

Workshop programs were enhanced through field days, farms visits, group meetings, and one-on-one mentoring. The producers also received information via newletters and factsheets, e-mails, phone calls and the internet. Partipcipants attended other risk managment programs that were promoted through this project.

One year after the workshops, ethnic producers will increase acreage on crop production and expand their value-added enterprises. Fifteen producers will follow recommended food safety guidelines in their production practices. Five producers will attempt to go through the import application process for seed imports and fifteen producers will increase their farm income through value-added products.

Number of Participants: 63

Outcomes

Project Steps

PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS

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EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS

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REPORTS & EVALUATIONS

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DELIVERY AREA

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