Completed Project Report


MarketReady, preparing producers to sell to schools

  • Award Amount: $47,382
  • Regional Center: North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center
  • Grant Program: 2013 Unrestricted Grants
  • Project Director: Julie Fox
  • Email: fox.264@osu.edu
  • Organization: The Ohio State University

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Project Overview

Interest in local food has spread to the school market, prompting producers to explore emerging opportunities. Farm to School was introduced to Ohio producers in 2012, with more than 400 participating in webinars, attending conference sessions and requesting introductory guidebooks. Producers interested in reaching new markets are now prepared for more in-depth education. The Ohio Direct Marketing team conducted risk management education that builds upon projects funded by the southern and western regions. The project team developed curriculum, using the established MarketReady framework, an advisory group that includes key collaborators, producers and buyers, and targeted interviews with forty producers and buyers involved with pre-K, K-12 and college food systems. To systematically investigate the school market, 71 producers participated in regional workshops, with 47 producers developing a written plan and 19 making contact with at least one potential new buyer during the project .

Number of Participants: 71

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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