Completed Project Report


Empowering New and Diversifying Farmers with the Tactics to Become Successful Market Growers

  • Award Amount: $39,999
  • Regional Center: North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center
  • Grant Program: 2006 Value Added Enterprises/Farm Diversification Grants

Extension RME Regional Centers
Extension Risk Management Education Region Map

Project Overview

The Kansas City region provides a growing market for locally grown fresh produce, but little fresh produce comes from the area. Supermarkets, distributors, chefs, and institutional buyers are all seeking locally produced foods. Traditional row crop and livestock farmers are looking to diversify by adding high value crops, while small landholders on the urban fringe desire to become farmers in addition to other careers. This project provides for a class of up to 30 interested growers in the Kansas City region to attend a series of production, equipment, and marketing workshops and business planning sessions that will allow them to become market farmers. These farmers will have a plan for establishing or diversifying their operation by reducing and managing marketing and production risks. We will organize a “Selling Local in Kansas City” conference that will help farmers learn about new marketing opportunities in the region, and establish new marketing channels.

Number of Participants: 263

Outcomes

Project Steps

PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS

There are no promotional materials available for this project.

EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS

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REPORTS & EVALUATIONS

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DELIVERY AREA

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