CASE STUDIES

Case 6: Local Food Development and Fundraising

Problem: How do we develop new farmers and create an Organic Economy to produce and sell sustainable local food? How do we create a business environment that removes the market risk, provides supply chain and training to help the farmer succeed? How do we attract new entrepreneurs to organic, sustainable farming or to processing and adding value to farm products?

I came to [Micro farming] two years ago because I needed a job and decided to try farming. Now I can bring together my love of food and food preparation and become a farmer by growing and cultivating my own food. Now I can promote healthier living by eating and growing organic produce everyday on the farm"

Micro farmer

Goals:

• Develop business plan to identify growing organic product categories and compare with the agricultural capabilities of the geographic area (see image below right: local seasonal display at local retailer).
• Create a business system that allows access for farmers, reduces risk and provides an opportunity for sustainable business practices.
• Create a non-profit to raise funds from State, Rural Development and Private Foundations for required business services.

Graham has helped us to focus on our farm operations, attract new customers, and develop a plan for seasonal extension programs. He has helped us to develop links to processors, farmers markets and funding sources."

Farmer in Southeastern MA

Background: Family farms are declining across America due to increase in mono-cropping, increased capital intensity and a farm bill that stimulates ethanol production not sustainable, diverse agriculture. Add natural disasters, depressed economic regions, entry barriers for new farmers and the result is a challenging situation for any agricultural community. Until now it was just not cool to be a farmer. But all this is changing. Local groups are organizing Community Sponsored agriculture (CSA) programs and Farmers Markets to reach more consumers and educate them about where there food comes from. Building a marketing farm plan for a farm requires partnering with State and Private Agricultural Colleges to assess the growing and raising capabilities of surrounding land resources, as well as developing the right crops for the existing soil and pest conditions and transitioning to organic farm processes and training programs.

Graham helped us identify local fresh, and own brand product suppliers for our local farmers market"

Director/Buyer for Local Farmers Market

Results:

• To date, partners include a natural retail partner, a local agricultural college, organic ingredient suppliers and an organic fertilizer company.
• Two grant proposals have been written and submitted to Private Foundations.
• Partnerships have allowed the organization to raise the required funds and be on plan to self-sufficiency.

Sustainable Innovations™ developed a plan to demonstrate to the agricultural community that Organic and Sustainable methods could generate economic value for all participants. This plan included the shared services, processing assets and partnerships to secure success. Sustainable Innovations™ - Partnerships for a better tomorrow.

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