Completed Project Report


Utilizing Social Media and Digital Technologies as a Marketing Strategy for Virgin Islands Farmers

  • Award Amount: $49,949
  • Regional Center: Southern Extension Risk Management Education Center
  • Grant Program: 2015 Education Projects
  • Project Director: Stafford Crossman
  • Email: scrossm@uvi.edu
  • Organization: University of the Virgin Islands

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Project Overview

The project provided Virgin Islands farmers with the ability to manage risk by providing current information to customers as a means of effectively marketing their produce. The project team conducted two Basic Computer classes and two Social Media classes in both the St. Croix and St. Thomas districts. Participants first learned how to use the computer to perform basic functions in the Basic Computer Class. They were then taught how to utilize various social media platforms and how to develop an effective social media marketing strategy. In addition to these classes, a market Ready & Farmer's Marketing class was conducted on August 4, 2016. Farmers had the opportunity to network with business owners and managers of local restaurants and supermarkets.  They received first hand account of what the businesses were interested in. The website, www.vifarmers.com, was developed and launched in June of 2016.  Participants also learned how to utilize digital technologies to reduce their marketing risk, increase sales and reduce post-harvest losses while providing convenient methods of communicating with their customers.

Number of Participants: 52

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

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DELIVERY AREA

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