Describe the Issue or Situation:
Producers in Kentucky face a complex and competitive environment when deciding what specialty crops to grow and how to market them. With diverse options and limited resources, growers need reliable, centralized information to make informed business decisions. Extension agents and technical assistance providers also need accessible, research-based tools to support producers in planning, marketing, and profitability.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable):
To meet these needs, the University of Kentucky’s Center for Crop Diversification (CCD) developed and maintains ccd.uky.edu, a comprehensive online resource hub for commercial horticulture and direct-market agriculture in Kentucky. The site provides:

• Enterprise budgets and crop profiles
• Weekly and historical farmers market price reports
• Agritourism and value-added product guides
• Decision tools like the Horticulture BizQuiz
• Marketing publications, Extension presentations, and training materials

The CCD collaborates with numerous partners across Kentucky, including Extension agents, the Kentucky Horticulture Council, KCARD, and producer organizations to ensure resources remain practical and relevant.

As Beth Wilson, Horticulture Agent in Pulaski County, put it:

“CCD is simply a one-stop shop for almost all commercial horticulture topics. The information on it is more useful than ever.”

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience:
The website serves:

• Specialty crop and direct-market producers, from beginning farmers to established growers
• Extension agents and agricultural professionals who rely on CCD tools for advising clients
• Local food advocates, buyers, and technical assistance providers

From the website’s analytics (to date):

• 1.3 million page views
• Over 1.4 million publication downloads
• 300,000+ unique visitors

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact:
User feedback and site data show CCD’s website is a trusted, high-impact resource. A recent survey of price report users found that:

• 73% of users said CCD pricing tools helped them increase income
• 57% stated they would pay for the services provided
• 42% of users were new and beginning farmers, indicating CCD’s reach to emerging growers

Extension agents echo this value:

“The best thing about CCD is that it pulls together, in one place, all the resources a grower needs to make an informed decision about what to grow.” – Kelly Jackson, Christian County

“Thanks to the CCD's resources, I've been able to help several producers grow into larger, more profitable, and more specialized operations.” – Ray Tackett, Bourbon County

Through ccd.uky.edu, the CCD has strengthened Kentucky’s horticulture sector by empowering producers with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to grow their businesses sustainably.