Project Overview
This project addressed the production, financial, and marketing risks that small, diversified farmers face as they expand market opportunities through a cooperative CSA, which requires consistent product supply and quality, sound financial management, and good customer communication/education skills. The 22 participants were immigrants and refugees of the World PEAS Coop (WPC) with gross annual farm earnings less than $10,000, as well as a few larger established farms. World PEAS producers had 1-2 seasons experience selling through WPC, the only minority owned multi-producer CSA in Massachusetts. Participants attended meetings and workshops on product diversification, production planning, financial record-keeping, access to credit, post-harvest handling, insurance and legal liability, cooperative principles, and strategic business planning. Participants received ongoing individual assistance in marketing and crop planning and increased production capacity and crop diversify. CSA membership more than doubled during the project, resulting in increases in farmers´ gross annual revenues.
Number of Participants: 27
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.