Bath County CES

Title:

Diversification and Alternatives

MAP:

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Agents Involved:

Rob Amburgey

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Home & Consumer Horticulture

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Commercial Horticulture

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Farmer's Markets

Situation:

County farmers continue to search for non-traditional sources of farm income and home owners have developed a renewed interest in home gardening. The Bath County Agricultural Education and Marketing Center offers facilities for value-added processing, retail and wholesale sales for both direct and processed products. The Bath County Extension Agriculture Advisory Council has directed that Extension Programs be focused around the Center and the opportunities it has to offer as well as promoting home grown produce.

Long-Term Outcomes:

New markets and opportunities will strengthen Bath County’s agricultural economy and Homeowners will produce more of the food they eat.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Acceptance of new marketing opportunities and production information.

Initial Outcomes:

Improved Farmers Market, Growth of Wholesale Produce Auction, Increase number of home gardens, Expanded Business Opportunities, Expanded citizen knowledge base of alternatives.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:Producers explore new alternatives

Indicator:producer office visits and consultations related to new crops and ventures

Method:one on one consultation, production meetings

Timeline:throughout the year

Intermediate Outcome: Increase commercial and home garden production & utilization

Indicator: Increase educational level and number of gardens planted.

Method: Educational meetings, Mass Media, & Demonstrations.

Timeline: January - December - Educational Meetings

Long-term Outcome: Strengthened markets for non-traditional crops

Indicator: Increased sales and production of non-traditional crops

Method: Sales Receipts and New Enterprises

Timeline: Throughout the 4-year Plan of Work period.

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Farmers Market and Produce Auction

Project or Activity: Planning Meetings

Content or Curriculum: Market improvement and new opportunities

Inputs: UK, Vendors, boards, Auction Manager, UK specialists

Date: February, March

Audience: Commercial Fruit and Vegetable Growers

Project or Activity: Regional Produce Growers Meeting

Content or Curriculum: Production and Market Updates

Inputs: UK, Vendors, boards, Auction Manager, UK specialists

Date: December

Audience:Public

Project or Activity: Outdoor grilling and food safety workshop with SNAP input

Content or Curriculum: Food handling, meat selection, seasoning, SNAP

Inputs: UK specialists, SNAP 

Date: summer 2017

Success Stories