Local Food Systems for Producers
Accessing Nutritious Foods
Drake, Cowles
Local Food Systems
Farmer's Markets
Food Preservation
Local food continues to be in demand from consumers, restaurants, retail outlets and institutions (including schools). However, there is a disconnection between the production, processing, marketing and distribution segments of the local food system, especially for small and minority farmers. With sales from Kentucky food products expected to increase from $14 million (2014) to $24 million in 2020, Extension has resources to educate agricultural producers in production, value added opportunities, business planning, and marketing strategies to expand the local food system for the demand.
Functioning farmers market in the county. Increase economic stability of farms.
Producers produce, process and market food locally. Producers create a budget or marketing plan. Producers earn certifications.
Producers learn what is required for a farmers market to function. Producers learn about food safety and liability.
Initial Outcome: Producers learn about farmers market.
Indicator: Producers attend classes and gain knowledge.
Method: Paper evaluation
Timeline: January 2019
Intermediate Outcome: Producers produce, process and market locally.
Indicator: Is local food for sale?
Method: Observation
Timeline: 2019
Intermediate Outcome: Producers sell fresh fruits and vegetables to local schools
Indicator: Are schools buying from local farms
Method: Interview school official
Timeline: 2018-2019 Growing Season
Long-term Outcome: Long Term
Indicator: Is market operating? Are farms diversifying?
Method: Observation
Timeline: Growing season 2019
Audience:Farmers Market Growers
Project or Activity: Farmers market organization meeting
Content or Curriculum: Ky Dept of Ag farmers market manual
Inputs: Manual, agent time, Extension facility, KDA staff
Date: 2019
Audience: Farmers Market Growers
Project or Activity: UK Fruit and Vegetable Conference
Content or Curriculum: Program developed by grower organization
Inputs: UK specialist, grower organization time
Date: January 2019
Audience: Farmers Market Growers
Project or Activity: KY Produce Best Practices Training
Content or Curriculum: KY Produce Best Practices Materials
Inputs: Agent time, radio programs, local media,
Date: March 2019
Audience: Farmers Market Vendors
Project or Activity: Microprocessor workshops and recertifications
Content or Curriculum: UK FCS publication - Microprocessing
Inputs: Agent time, UK specialist
Date: As needed
Audience: Individuals
Project or Activity: KY Produce Preservation
Content or Curriculum KY Materials
Inputs: Agent time,Specialistd
Date: Spring - Summer 2019