Completed Project Report


Marketing Strategies for New Organic Farms

  • Award Amount: $50,000
  • Regional Center: Western Extension Risk Management Education Center
  • Grant Program: 2018 Education Projects
  • Project Director: Christopher Brown
  • Email: chris@albafarmers.org
  • Organization: Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association

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Project Overview

This project addresses marketing risks faced by beginning and socially-disadvantaged (BSD) farmers as they launch and scale-up farm businesses. The project will provide intensive, land-based training in food safety and marketing strategies to a target audience of 75 aspiring and existing farmers in ALBA’s farm incubation program in Salinas, California. Methods of delivery include 4 workshops, 2 panel discussions, and at least 50 one-on-one consultations on marketing and food safety compliance.

Two workshops will focus on market strategy development using a new tool which aids in decision-making. Panel discussions will feature ALBA alumni sharing their experiences in marketing produce through various sales channels. David Mancera Business Consulting will consult with 20 farmers on marketing strategy, complementing ALBA’s field monitoring of farmers’ crop quality and packing. Two more workshops will introduce farmers to food safety compliance standards and record-keeping, followed by one-on-one technical assistance with Carlson Food Safety Consulting in preparing for 3rd party food safety certification. By the end of the project, at least 75 growers will to understand how to mitigate risks by assessing appropriate marketing channels and developing food safety plans. At least 50 farmers will develop marketing plans, and at least 30 will become food safety certified.

Number of Participants: 75

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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