Butler County CES

Title:

Local Food Systems for Producers

MAP:

Rural and Community Development

Agents Involved:

Drake, Cowles

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Local Food Systems

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Farmer's Markets

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Food Preservation

Situation:

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.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Functioning farmers market in the county. Increase economic stability of farms.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Producers produce, process and market food locally. Producers create a budget or marketing plan. Producers earn certifications.

Initial Outcomes:

Producers learn what is required for a farmers market to function. Producers learn about food safety and liability.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Producers learn about farmers market.

Indicator: Producers attend classes and gain knowledge.

Method: Paper evaluation

Timeline: January 2018

Intermediate Outcome: Producers produce, process and market locally.

Indicator: Is local food for sale?

Method: Observation

Timeline: 2018

Intermediate Outcome: Producers sell fresh fruits and vegetables to local schools

Indicator:  Are schools buying from local farms

Method: Interview school official

Timeline: 2017-2018 Growing Season

Long-term Outcome: Long Term

Indicator: Is market operating? Are farms diversifying?

Method: Observation

Timeline: Growing season 2018

Learning Opportunities:

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: 2018

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 2018

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: July 2018

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