Directed by the needs assessment from our leadership, Extension has been involved with home gardeners and small scale producers. We strive to educate them about horticultural crops and their production. Several educational programs were offered to those interested in home and commercial vegetable production. Because of these efforts, forty-eight individuals are producing vegetable crops for the first time this year. Most are low income producers. These individuals are producing fruits and vegetables for their families use and marketing the excess. These producers have reported savings to their families in the amount of $25,000 from being able to provide fresh vegetables verses purchasing them. In addition, twelve producers are growing small fruits and vegetables to sell at the market for the first time this year.

The Floyd County Farmers Market officially opened in 2022 for its twelfth year. The market provides another outlet for the sale of excess produce and for many of our small-scale farmers to earn additional income. The market had a 35% increase in its membership this year which helps to provide produce, canned and baked goods to their customers. The members hope growth will continue.

The market has increased to its third location this year. The sites being in downtown Prestonsburg, Highlands ARH hospital and Our Lady of the Way ARH hospital. The market reported sales totaling $32,000.00 this past season. This was a 33% increase over any previous year’s total. The market had its highest ever redemption rates for WIC (68%) and Senior Nutrition (82%) vouchers. With the double dollars program, these incentive programs provide additional income for our farmers and benefits the customer by obtaining locally grown produce at a reduce cost.

These programs, activities and collaborative efforts show the participants that many agricultural operations can be successful on small parcels of land. These individuals stated that Extension was responsible for making their projects successful. They thanked Extension for preparing and teaching them the skills needed to succeed.