Community market project

Project Overview

LNE05-233
Project Type: Research and Education
Funds awarded in 2005: $94,746.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2007
Matching Federal Funds: $16,000.00
Matching Non-Federal Funds: $20,250.00
Region: Northeast
State: Vermont
Project Leader:
Enid Wonnacott
Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont

Annual Reports

Commodities

  • Agronomic: wheat
  • Vegetables: beets, broccoli, garlic, onions, peppers, tomatoes
  • Animals: bovine, poultry, swine
  • Animal Products: dairy
  • Miscellaneous: mushrooms

Practices

  • Education and Training: demonstration, display, extension, farmer to farmer
  • Farm Business Management: new enterprise development, budgets/cost and returns, marketing management, feasibility study, market study, value added
  • Sustainable Communities: new business opportunities, partnerships, social networks

    Proposal abstract:

    The Community Market Project is designed to increase the viability of small farmers by providing them the opportunity to sell product to create a value-added Vermont Farmers’ Flatbread, to develop their own value-added product, and to realize both a direct and secondary market benefit. Using food as a medium for education, the project will facilitate direct farmer-consumer relationships by introducing consumers to the farmers and local products available in their community. The essential elements of the project are: to test market a value-added product at different consumer venues; to provide a high profile market outlet for organic and sustainably produced Vermont products; to coordinate market development assistance for farmers; and community outreach and education.

    Performance targets from proposal:

    Of the 400 organic and sustainable farmers and processors in Vermont interested in direct marketing, 50 farmers will increase their gross sales by 20% through the development of a value added product, or new direct marketing relationship.

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.