Morgan County CES

Title:

1. Local Foods Grow Local Dollars

MAP:

Supporting Small Businesses to Create Jobs for Morgan County

Agents Involved:

ANR, 4-H, FCS

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Local Food Systems

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Economic Development

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Leadership

Situation:

Situation:  The local food movement bridges the gap between farmers, foodies and consumers.  Small farms produce most of Kentucky’s agriculture and farmers markets have seen an increase in numbers and consumption over the past ten years.  By training and certifying farmers, gardeners, and food entrepreneurs – Morgan Countians can have greater access to local, healthy food while producing income.  Starting with washing produce, growing produce safely, home baking, and micro processing, can lead to more commercial production. Extension leaders recognize existing resources that can be further developed to help grow such opportunities.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Long-term Outcomes:  *Increased access to locally produced food & the variety and amount of locally produced products increased

Intermediate Outcomes:

INTERMEDIATE OUTCOMES:  Use of Extension trainings to increase food production and safety * Earn certification to distribute or sell raw and processed foods *Apply marketing opportunities and alternate payment methods

Initial Outcomes:

INITIAL OUTCOMES:

*Recognize required food growing, handling and processing safety practices *Recognize and explore opportunities for local markets *Develop marketing skills and plans

Evaluation:

Outcome:  Increased access to local foods
Indicator:  increased use of vouchers and Double Dollars Method:  producers’ reports
Timeline:  Fall, 2024

Outcome:  Increased availability of safely produced products Indicator:  numbers of those attending approved trainings Method:  observation
Timeline:  Spring, 2025

Learning Opportunities:

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:

Audience:  Farmers Market members, food entrepreneurs? Project or Activity:  certifications
Content or Curriculum: GAP, FSMA, WIC, SRFMP, Food Handlers, HBMP  
Inputs: KDA and federal training programs, CCD, ANR & FCS Agents
Date: ongoing

Project or Activity:  Market in the Park
Content or Curriculum:  marketing, leadership
Inputs: farmers market members, CEC members, all agents 

Date:  Fall, 2024

Project or Activity:  Buy Local Campaign Content or Curriculum: SBDC
Inputs: CEDIK , all agents
Date: December 2024

Project or Activity:  Value-Added Sorghum Content or Curriculum: Marketing, Youth and Adult Contests
Inputs: Food Innovation Center, KCARD
Date: Fall 2024

Success Stories