Completed Project Report


Understanding the Use of Certification to Add Value and Manage Production, Marketing, and Other Risks: A Program for Michigan Apple, Cherry and Asparagus Growers

  • Award Amount: $20,000
  • Regional Center: North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center
  • Grant Program: 2006 Value Added Enterprises/Farm Diversification Grants
  • Project Director:
  • Email: jim@foodalliance.org
  • Organization: Cooperative Development Services (CDS)

Extension RME Regional Centers
Extension Risk Management Education Region Map

Project Overview

Food Alliance Midwest conducted 3 workshops in Michigan covering: 1) trends in consumer and corporate purchasing and the growing market for eco-labeled products; 2) detailed overviews of certification and eco-labeling programs, including Food Alliance certification; 3) the use of certification to manage risks — production, market and regulatory; and 4) detailed steps to make the transition and how to qualify for certification.

These workshops, offered a mix of presentation and discussion, customized for audiences of apple, cherry and asparagus growers, and directly served approximately 205 growers – the majority apple or cherry growers. Participating farmers gained an improved understanding of the costs, criteria, process, and potential benefits and risks of certification, and were better able to evaluate certification as an opportunity for product and market diversification. Food Alliance involved Sodexho Food Service, Pepin Heights and other buyers to directly connect growers with growing market opportunities.

Number of Participants: 205

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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