Horticulture
Home and Consumer Horticulture
McCarty
Local Food Systems
Home & Consumer Horticulture
Pesticide Safety – Plant Pests
Commercial Horticulture
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.
Increase in the number of vendors, variety of local food products, sales and/or profits at farmer’s markets, road side stands, or community supported agriculture
Increase access to local foods in restaurants, retail outlets, school and other institutions
Maintain or increase consumer confidence/ demand in local foods
Maintain or increase economic stability of farm operations.
• Develop an Ag Plan using decision making tools ( i.e. cost efficiency)
• Create a budget and/or marketing plan
• Diversify the types and varieties of produce grow and sold
• Apply best management practices in marketing (i.e. pricing)
• Apply food safety practices and/or procedures
Earn certification(s) for:
• Redeeming USDA script (i.e. WIC or Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program)
• selling and /or providing samples at farmer’s markets
• Home Based Microprocessing
• Microprocessing
• Better Processing Control School
• USDA GAP
Created and marketed safe food products
• Apply food safety practices
• Create value added agricultural food items
• Market agricultural products locally
Review types and varieties of produce
• Locate crop profiles, decision tools and resources
• Describe advantages and disadvantages of marketing strategies (i.e. CSA, U-Pick, Farm to School, freezer beef)
• Interpret food safety handling procedures
• Understand procedures for safe food processing
• Interpret purchasing rules and regulations from contract buyers
• Research liability issues related to food safety
• Identify production methods and agricultural food products that extend the growing season (i.e. high tunnels, hydroponics)
Long-term Outcome: Vendor numbers will increase at local farmers market. Sales will also increase
Intermediate Outcome: Producers will receive certifications to help market their crops.
Initial Outcome: Producer will have an understanding in what production practices are needed to meet their goal and how they can make it happen.
Educational programs
Demonstrations
Field Days
Video conferencing / webinars
Media (radio, television, video, newsletters, newspaper articles, social media, etc.)
Farm and/or facility visits
Field Trials/walks/research plots
Networking events with producers and wholesale/retail buyers (including schools)
Agritourism events
Participants
Fruit and vegetables growers
Farmer’s Market vendors’
Wholesale and retail food agents
School food service directors
Institutional purchasing agents
Author: Mary McCarty
Major Program: Farmer's Markets
The Menifee County Farmers Market serves the citizens of Menifee County two days a week during the summer months for 14 weeks. Fresh fruits and vegetables at affordable prices are a must for our local residents.Menifee County market vendors participate in Senior Farmers Market Vouchers and WIC Vouchers. Half of market vendors also accept SNAP benefits at their stands. Without the support of the community the market would not be sustainable. During Farmers Market week in t