Diversification and AlternativesPlan of Work

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Bath County CES

Title:
Diversification and Alternatives
MAP:
Ag and Natural resources
Agents Involved:
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: increased number of participation

Indicator: participation

Method: number involved

Timeline: summer months

Intermediate Outcome:development of new opportunities

Indicator:new markets

Method:observation

Timeline:throughout the year


Long-term Outcome: growth and sustainability of market channels

Indicator: increased participation and market growth

Method:surveys and revenue tracking

Timeline:during marketing season

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 2020



Success Stories

Direct marketing of fruits and vegetables

Author: Robert Amburgey

Major Program: Home & Consumer Horticulture

The extension office has been working closely with the Bath County Farmer's Market group to provide more marketing opportunities, increased farm revenue and growth in the number of local producers who are participating.  Over the past 2 years a number of initiatives have taken place.  The farmer's market developed their own Facebook page, maintained by members of the market, where updates can be made almost instantly.  The page has allowed local consumers to view what prod

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Introduction to Hemp production

Author: Robert Amburgey

Major Program: Sustainable Agriculture

The Bath County Extension Office hosted the east region Hemp production meeting which was designed to provide technical information related to hemp production.  The program was designed to address the needs of both beginner and established growers.  Topics included in the program included: Production systems, site selection and soils, budgets and risk management, cultivar information, fertility, planting, pests and risks, harvest and equipment.The participants spent 8 hours with UK spe

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