Agriculture is an ever-evolving industry. The ways in which commodities are marketed too are changing. The annual Breckinridge County Agriculture Expo for over 200 6th graders was held on April 19. Several Ag topics and careers were addressed by a collection of industry professionals. It was my pleasure to be the keynote presenter in the area of Direct Marketing in Agriculture. Commercial agriculture over the years has lent itself to global markets with an immense infrastructure to get products from raw material to final destinations. A recent resurgence to local food production is turning this model on its ear. As a Coordinator and Area Agriculture Agent, I get the opportunity to work with several county extension services and other community partners. For this event, that included the Breckinridge County Extension Office, the county and independent school systems, home school groups, Farm Bureau, Kentucky FFA, Breckinridge County High School FFA and multiple other community representatives.        

Topics addressed by me included Farmer's Markets, Cerfified Farm Markets, Farm to Cafeteria Initiatives and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA).  A CSA model, based upon patrons prepaying for shares in particular farm’s crops and then receiving usually sixteen to twenty weeks of product, now accounts for $226 million of the $3 billion of direct-to-consumers sales by farms. Additionally, Kentucky Farm Bureau has a robust Certified Farm Market organization with members providing a full spectrum of fruits, vegetables, trees, shrubs, meats, flowers, cheeses and other value added commodities. Many further provide diverse agritourism offerings to draw consumers to their farms. Additionally, the 170 registered Farmer's Markets and many other independent ones supplement the direct marketing phenomenon.        

One of the most recent additions to this style of selling is the farm to cafeteria system. I recently had the opportunity to speak with food service directors representing over twenty-five school districts about the merits of buying direct from farmers and sharing how Cooperative Extension can assist in this endeavor. A demonstration grant I am overseeing at the Kentucky FFA Leadership Training Center, the host site of the Ag. Expo, was integrated into my presentations. Both hydroponics and aquaponics, for which I secured funding, are being used to supplement the meal program at the facility. The sixth graders got to view both systems just after installation and were educated on the unique system of farmers selling products directly to schools. There was tremendous interest in all facets of direct marketing by the students. The outcome of the presentation included the young stakeholders being made aware multiple sources for fresh from the farm food rather than being solely dependent upon supermarkets and restaurants for their nourishment. It is the hope that at some point many of the attendees will apply direct marketing principles to their own businesses, employment or agricultural operations in addition to seeking this outlet for family needs.