Project Overview
This project had three main components: (1)Conduct a statewide seminar, "Maximizing the CSA Marketing Model"to provide in-depth training for existing and potential CSA farmers. Specialty products producers were invited to this one-day seminar and had an opportunity to connect with CSA farmers looking to expand the variety of their shares.Seminar leaders facilitated this meeting time. The seminar also covered topics such as sizing production to product needs and financial recordkeeping for multiple market farms. Following this seminar the Extension Marketing Specialist provided one-on-one follow-up consulting when requested by producers. (2)A new module CSA educational module was posted on Extension´s Ag Marketing web site. This site also included links to other marketing sites such as LocalHarvest.org and Maryland´s Best as well as production and marketing materials including podcasts, producer presentations, and additional marketing links. An on-line product directory was created at FoodTrader.org. On Foodtrader.org, CSA farmers and specialty products producers can post available product or recruit a product provider for their own CSA. This site provides "speed dating" for CSA farmers and specialty products producers. (3) A core group of CSA mentors were identified, trained, and remain on-call to offer consultation upon request to other CSA farmers. This project improved farm profitability by the expanding the marketing capacity of both CSA farmers and specialty products producers.
Number of Participants: 60
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.