Project Overview
Female and next-generation agricultural producers often consider adding value to diversify farm revenues – necessitating the adoption of specific strategies to address the unique legal and production risks associated with value-added agricultural products. Penn State Extension producer workshop post-surveys (from year 2009 sessions) documented farmers’ desire to increase awareness of how to handle value-added enterprise risks. In response, a six-hour workshop was developed, combining educational presentations, panels of successful food entrepreneurs, and a highly interactive learning environment (characteristic of Annie’s Project), to introduce the risk management strategies of: adequate product liability insurance, GAP/GHP certification, HACCP plans, allergen warnings, and product recall procedures. Fifteen Extension Educators were trained for program facilitation. Five identical workshops, targeting 100 female and next-generation farmers across Pennsylvania, were planned and advertised; because of very limited enrollment, a revised version of this presentation was merged with the "Food for Profit" workshops, resulting in 130 participants receiving an introduction to the food risk management methods. In post-program surveys, 82 participants cited improved understanding of insurance needs, GAP/GHP certification and HACCP planning; 61 participants were able to decide how allergen advisories applied to their food product(s); and 21 participants committed to write a proactive food business risk management plan.
Number of Participants: 130
PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS
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EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS
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REPORTS & EVALUATIONS
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