Final report for ONE24-453
Project Information
Plot to Pantry addressed a core challenge in West Virginia's farm economy, where three-quarters of farms gross under $9,999 annually: the lack of technical capacity to turn raw harvests into higher-value, shelf-stable products. WVFFC hired a dedicated Technical Assistance Specialist to work with three farmer value-added producers, the Blue Acre Appalachian Aquaponics facility, and the newly formed Mountain State Co-Hop cooperative, targeting food safety compliance, labeling, aggregation/distribution logistics, and market access, the same three gaps identified in WVDA/WVU's 2020 statewide survey.
Methods centered on one-on-one technical assistance paired with group trainings: Better Process Control School enrollment for food safety credentialing, two labeling webinars, a Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) toolkit distributed to producers, and the launch of the Mountain State Market Academy, a cohort-based TA program. Mountain State Co-Hop separately received aggregation, insurance, and FSMA facility registration support through a Partner Community Capital-provided technical service provider.
Results were substantial and measurable. Across the grant period, WVFFC delivered 160 consultations (103 in business/market development, 29 in production planning, 12 in FSMA training, 16 with Mountain State Co-Hop) and ran 26 workshops and field days, reaching 61 farmers/ranchers, all of whom reported gaining new knowledge or skills and all of whom changed or adopted a practice. Mountain State Co-Hop completed and opened a new warehouse, secured General/Product Liability and Directors & Officers insurance, and began construction on a co-pack facility. Blue Acre Appalachian Aquaponics diversified into new crops and adopted vertical growing systems to increase yield, despite two operator transitions during the grant period. The Mountain State Market Academy enrolled 32 value-added producers. Perhaps most notably, the project seeded 12 follow-on grant applications, 12 of which were funded, bringing in $3,575,650 in additional capital to the region, a roughly 120x return relative to the $29,825 SARE award.
These numbers indicate the technical assistance model was highly leveraged: a modest grant produced a functioning cooperative warehouse, new insurance and safety infrastructure, dozens of trained producers, and multi-million-dollar follow-on capital. The clearest limitation is durability at the facility level, Blue Acre's two operator changes show that TA alone can't fully offset staffing and governance instability, which is why WVFFC is now pursuing in-house TA capacity (Food Finance Institute, Market Ready, PCQI certifications) rather than relying solely on outside consultants.
Outreach reached 61 farmers and ranchers directly, plus a broader regional audience through 26 workshops and conference sessions, including 18 sessions at the Soil Health to Shelf Conference and presentations at the 2026 WV Small Farms Conference, extending the project's reach well beyond the core participant group.
This project seeks to provide technical assistance to farmer value-added producers, Blue Acre Appalachian Aquaponics, and the Mountain State Co-Hops
Cooperative. The ultimate project goal incorporates the knowledge derived from this project into a presentation at the West Virginia Small Farms Conference designed to assist farmers in producing or scaling value-added products from their harvests.
Objective 1: Provide tailored technical assistance and training to three farmer value-added producers to enhance their marketing strategies, assist in developing labels, and ensure compliance with food safety and regulatory requirements.
Objective 2: Provide an expert technical assistance coach to Blue Acre Appalachian Aquaponics, to support the facility in operations management and provide technical assistance in aquaculture, horticulture, and aquaponics in order to ensure long term farm viability.
Objective 3: Provide training support to members of Mountain State Co-Hops Co-operative to undergo training and develop the aggregation and distribution of farm-grown value-added products in partnership with PCAP who will provide a technical service provider.
Need:
West Virginia's agricultural landscape is characterized by small-scale and family-owned farms, three quarters of which gross less than $9,999 in annual sales (West Virginia Department of Agriculture and West Virginia University Extension Services, 2020). Geography, typography, and a history of environmentally extractive industries has left the agricultural industry with significant challenges. As a result of the challenges outlined below, the Coalition is helping farmers create value-added products with their raw agricultural product, as they fetch a higher price point and are shelf stable for longer.
Challenges
- Transportation and Distribution: Logistics pose a significant challenge for small farmers seeking to access statewide and regional markets. Limited access to aggregation and distribution networks has hindered timely and cost-effective delivery of products - this is also partially due to the scale that WV Farmers can produce at. Alternatively, creating shelf-stable value-added products that are branded and marketed as “Appalachian” and are connected to an origin story, as the Coalition is doing through its Value-Added Project, creates a market outside of the state, fetching higher prices for farmers, according to a study developed by Future Generations University.
- Regulatory Compliance: There are multiple major food markets within a nine-hour radius of West Virginia’s borders (e.g. Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and New York City's metropolitan areas). Small farmers encounter complex regulatory requirements when selling their products across state lines and states may have their own set of regulations regarding food safety, labeling, and packaging, which can be difficult and costly to navigate. Technical assistance can help farmers navigate these regulations.
- Market Access and Competition: Small farmers face stiff competition from larger, more established producers when attempting to access statewide and regional markets. These larger competitors have greater financial resources, marketing capabilities, and brand recognition, making it challenging for small farmers to differentiate their products and attract customers. Limited market access and intense competition can result in small farmers who produce value-added products being overlooked. Strategic marketing is needed to gain traction and visibility to ensure growth and sustainability of small-scale agricultural enterprises.
In 2020, The West Virginia Department of Agriculture and West Virginia University Extension Services conducted a study in which 500 participants completed an agriculture economy survey and over 350 attended regional meetings to inform the creation of the Shared Agenda for Growing West Virginia's Agricultural Economy. The study found that there is a need to connect producers with market opportunities, specifically through providing technical assistance to help producers grow and sell in-demand products and a need to connect producers with each other to coordinate distribution of their commodities. It went on to suggest that producers establish cooperatives to gain more control of the supply chain, lower production costs, and increase profit margin. Co-operatives build the infrastructure needed to grow the agricultural economy. Technical assistance in supply chain management, logistics, transportation, and warehousing operations can ensure that new Co-ops can aggregate, store, and move product efficiently and sustainably (West Virginia Department of Agriculture and West Virginia University Extension Services, 2020). The Coalition has developed a Co-operative of farmers who are working together to sell raw-agricultural products, and more recently, shelf-stable value-added products. The Co-operative, however, has a lot of learning to do to become efficient and effective at distributing products in order to support WV farmers.
Proposed Solution/ Purpose:
Plot to Pantry strengthens West Virginia's rural economies by connecting farmers directly with consumers, assisting in scaling/development of value-added products, and streamlining aggregation and distribution. This initiative enhances food systems, minimizes waste, and boosts farmer profitability through the production of higher-value, shelf-stable goods like canned or preserved items. This project delivers on needed technical assistance for farmer value-added products markers:
- Delivers technical assistance to farmer value-added producers, aiding in marketing strategies and meeting regulatory compliance.
- For the Blue Acre Appalachian Aquaponics facility, the project provides expert guidance specifically in the realm of improving efficiency and building a sustainable aquaponics business model.
- Additionally, it provides expert guidance to the newly formed Mountain State Co-Hops Co-operative in coordinating aggregation and distribution networks with the aim is to streamline the movement of products along the value chain.
Establishing a distribution network for these products expands market access for small-scale producers and meets consumer demand for local, quality goods, enhancing economic resilience.
NESARE Outcomes Alignment:
This project promotes sustainable aggregation and distribution practices and enhances farm profitability. By assisting farmer value-added producers in marketing strategies and in meeting regulatory compliance, it contributes to improved profitability of farmers and farm businesses. Furthermore, by streamlining aggregation and distribution networks for the Mountain State Co-Hops Co-operative, it addresses increased sustainability of agriculture through reduced environmental impacts (more efficient transportation and distribution) and enhanced economic viability.
Cooperators
Research
Materials and methods:
Objective 1: Provide tailored technical assistance and training to 3-4 farmer value-added producers to enhance their marketing strategies, develop labels, and meet food safety and regulatory requirements.
Activities:
The West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition (WVFFC) hired a Technical Assistance Specialist to support Mountain State Co-Hop and farmer value-added producers. The Specialist’s responsibilities included developing aggregation and distribution networks, supporting marketing strategy development, and assisting producers with food safety, labeling, and regulatory compliance.
Key Accomplishments to date:
1.) Support for Natasha Zoe:
* Provided one-on-one technical assistance to support Jar Head Farm in securing capital for the development of a thermal processing co-packing facility.
* Collaborated with the farm to assess and map existing aggregation and distribution networks.
* Connected key staff with Better Process Control School training to strengthen food safety and operational capacity.
* Provided technical assistance in developing financial projections and a pro forma for the new co-pack facility.
* Supported planning and construction of the food manufacturing co-pack facility through ongoing technical assistance.
* Provided guidance on FDA regulatory requirements applicable to the co-pack facility.
* Delivered technical assistance to support compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
* Collaborated on the ideation and development of new value-added product lines.
* Provided technical assistance on FDA labeling requirements, packaging, and brand development.
* Assisted in identifying appropriate packaging solutions for value-added products.
* Provided technical assistance to identify new wholesale and retail market opportunities.
* Assisted with the transition of warehousing, distribution, and order fulfillment services to Mountain State Co-Hop, doing business as Appalachian Cellar.
2.) Assistance for Lucas Sieber:
* Provided technical assistance to identify and secure capital to strengthen middle supply chain coordination.
* Provided technical assistance to support compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
* Provided technical assistance during the expansion of operations, including the addition of 1,000 square feet of production space.
* Supported the development of value-added products and the planning and construction of a co-pack facility designed to meet regulatory requirements for interstate commerce.
* Assisted in developing a pro forma for the expanded operation and co-pack facility.
* Supported the design of efficient operational systems and the installation of specialized equipment to improve operational efficiency and production capacity.
3.) Support for Nita Hobbs:
* Connected with partner technical assistance provers to support developing compliant product labeling.
* Arranged enrollment in Better Process Control School to strengthen food safety and processing capacity.
* Provided technical assistance to support recipe approvals through a Process Authority and connected the business with a local co-packer.
* Provided technical assistance in product pricing, packaging selection, and financial planning, including business projections.
* Delivered technical assistance on FSMA compliance, production planning, crop management, and variety selection for value-added products.
4.) Assistance for Marlana Pennington:
* Arranged enrollment in Better Process Control School to strengthen food safety and processing capacity.
* Provided technical assistance in product labeling and packaging development.
* Facilitated access to new market channels, contributing to increased sales.
* Provided technical assistance to prepare the business for commercial manufacturing and successful transition to a co-packer.
5.) Outreach to Additional Farmers:
* Conducted outreach to Mountain State Co-Hop farmer members to assess individual technical assistance needs and priorities.
* Developed and distributed a Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) toolkit to help farms understand regulatory requirements and achieve compliance for value-added products.
* Provided technical assistance on crop variety selection for value-added product development.
* Facilitated access to new market channels, contributing to increased sales.
* Delivered one-on-one technical assistance to a maple producer focused on value-added product development and safe food manufacturing practices.
* Hosted two labeling webinars, "Creating Effective Labels" and "Navigating Labeling Laws," to help value-added producers develop compliant labels and expand into interstate markets.
* Hosted two workshops on soil health and soil enhancement practices.
* Launched the Mountain State Market Academy, a cohort-based technical assistance program that groups value-added producers with similar needs. Participants receive targeted support to become manufacturer ready, scale their businesses, strengthen financial management skills, and expand market opportunities.
Objective 2: Provide an expert technical assistance coach to BlueAcre Appalachian Aquaponics, to support the facility in operations management and provide technical assistance in aquaculture, horticulture, and aquaponics in order to ensure long term farm viability.
Activities:
* Provided technical assistance to transition crop production to higher-yielding varieties to increase productivity and profitability.
* Supported the transition of facility operations to Hillbilly Harvest in 2024.
* Provided technical assistance to identify and access new market channels for Blue Acres products.
* Delivered technical assistance to support compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification requirements.
* Provided technical assistance to Hillbilly Harvest in financial management, business planning, payroll systems, employee benefits administration, and operational expansion.
* Despite this support, Hillbilly Harvest concluded its role as operator in August 2025.
* WVFFC facilitated Facing Hunger Food Bank overseeing operations temporarily with a small county investment in August 2025- December 2025. The facility has been operating on a skeleton crew since December 2025 under the Mingo County Redevelopment Authority, with plans for Facing Hunger Food Bank to take over operations, pending additional funding support.
* Delivered technical assistance to resolve aquaponics system challenges caused by fish reproduction, including equipment maintenance and system modifications to restore operational efficiency.
* In order for FAcing Hunger Foodbank to take over operations they need support in proving that the Aquaponics Facility can produce more produce than greens. WVFFC secured a specialized technical assistance provider, Peter Villa, to conduct a comprehensive facility assessment and production diversification study. The assessment evaluated existing infrastructure and production systems and developed recommendations for expanding into additional high-value crops, including tomatoes, cucumbers, and other suitable varieties, while identifying infrastructure, equipment, environmental, and labor needs to support diversified production. This report is currently under review with Facing Hunger Food Bank as well as the Mingo County Redevelopment Authority. WVFFC is still currently trying to facilitate Facing Hunger Food Bank to assume operations, which will support a new warehouse in the county.
Objective 3: Provide training support to members of Mountain State Co-Hops Co-operative to undergo training and develop the aggregation and distribution of farm-grown value-added products in partnership with PCAP who will provide a technical service provider
Activities:
* Supported Mountain State Co-Hop staff in receiving technical assistance through Partners Community Capital (PCAP) to assess insurance needs, establish standard operating procedures, and develop a Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) compliance plan.
* Supported ongoing technical assistance through PCAP to register Mountain State Co-Hop as an FDA-registered food facility, including product regulatory reviews, customer identification, and regulatory pathway planning.
* Collaborated with Mountain State Co-Hop staff to map potential markets along the I-81 corridor and identify aggregation and distribution partners. This work is ongoing.
* Provided technical assistance for the planning, design, and implementation of expanded warehouse space to improve product aggregation, inventory management, and distribution logistics. The warehouse is now operational, with products being onboarded to support efficient aggregation, order fulfillment, and expansion into wholesale and direct-to-consumer markets.
* Provided technical assistance for the planning and development of a food manufacturing co-pack facility to expand processing capacity for value-added products. * Support included facility design, equipment planning, regulatory compliance, operational workflows, and development of required food safety documentation, including HACCP plans, SSOPs, SOPs, and related policies. Construction of the facility is underway.
* Facilitated connections between Mountain State Co-Hop producers and Kroger that identified labeling and UPC requirements needed to enter larger wholesale markets.
* Producers are receiving labeling assistance through Mountain State Market Academy, and UPC codes have been purchased in bulk and made available to participating businesses.
* Provided technical assistance to strengthen marketing efforts, expand direct-to-consumer sales through the cooperative's e-commerce platform, and leverage expanded warehouse capacity to increase market access and distribution opportunities for cooperative members.
Through this project, WVFFC discovered that many farmer value-added producers have advanced technical assistance needs. This finding highlights the necessity of hiring a dedicated Technical Assistance Provider on staff who can consult on labeling requirements, processing authority approvals, food safety and regulatory compliance, warehouse planning and operations, and aggregation and distribution systems. In addition, this role has expanded to provide guidance on facility design and workflow, equipment selection and scaling, inventory management, cold-chain logistics, quality control, cost modeling and pro forma development, insurance and risk management, market readiness for wholesale and institutional buyers, UPC and traceability requirements, FSMA and GAP compliance, and coordination with co-packers and regulatory agencies to support expansion into interstate and larger wholesale markets. These observations have also led WVFFC to develop Mountain State Market Academy, a cohort based technical assistance program, which will allow WVFFC staff to deliver support to value added businesses in becoming manufacture ready and scale their businesses. The cohorts will consist of businesses at similar levels of need and readiness, allowing WVFFC staff to deliver more refined technical assistance to each cohort.
Through the technical assistance, ongoing training, and collaborative partnerships facilitated through this project, WVFFC has observed measurable improvements in operational planning, regulatory readiness, and resource utilization among participating farms and Mountain State Co-Hop. Access to expert technical assistance has strengthened farmers’ ability to navigate food safety requirements, plan for aggregation and distribution, prepare for wholesale and institutional markets, and make informed investments in infrastructure and equipment.
Key Findings:
Increased collaboration: Co-Hop members report improved capacity to plan and coordinate aggregation and distribution networks, resulting in increased profit margins, more streamlined operation, and reduced logistical challenges.
Knowledge gained through training: Producers who enrolled in the Better Process Control School gained critical knowledge related to regulatory compliance, directly strengthening their ability to scale production safely and legally.
Improved labeling readiness: Producers who participated in labeling workshops reported increased understanding of labeling requirements necessary for interstate commerce.
Enhanced soil management knowledge: Producers who participated in soil enhancement workshops reported increased knowledge of soil improvement techniques and expressed interest in continued learning and technical support.
Improved FSMA preparedness: Producers reported a stronger understanding of Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requirements and indicated they felt supported and prepared to develop and implement farm food safety plans.
Capital Access: Technical assistance supported multiple farms in pursuing and securing capital to advance infrastructure development, improve operational capacity, and strengthen supply chain coordination.
Continued Technical Assistance: Mountain State Market Academy has been launched and 32 value added producers have been enrolled, highlighting the continued need for this support.
Mountain State Co-Hops:
Risk management and insurance readiness: Identified comprehensive risk management strategies and insurance needs, including Commercial General Liability, Producer General and Product Liability, Property and Equipment, Automobile, Employment Practices Liability, Directors and Officers, Cyber/Privacy, Crime, Limited Pollution Liability, Product Recall, and Medical Insurance.
Improved insurance coverage: Secured General and Product Liability Insurance and Directors and Officers Insurance to support cooperative operations and governance.
Enhanced safety and compliance: Developed a food and warehouse safety plan to strengthen operational safety and regulatory compliance.
Infrastructure development: Completed construction of a warehouse to improve aggregation and distribution efficiency and to support the expansion of direct-to-consumer sales, creating a new market channel for Co-Hop members.
Blue Acre Appalachian Aquaponics:
Improved Financial planning: Staffing structures and budgeting practices were strengthened, resulting in clearer role definition, more efficient labor allocation, improved payroll planning, stronger operating budgets, and better alignment of staffing needs with production and revenue projections.
Expanded capacity planning: The facility demonstrated increased capacity to assess operational needs and plan for the expansion of growing capacity.
Revenue diversification: Additional crops were identified for production, expanding the facility’s product mix and supporting more diversified and resilient revenue streams.
Enhanced production efficiency: The facility increased its capacity to optimize space and production by identifying alternative production approaches, including vertical growing systems, resulting in increased revenue.
Regulatory compliance and food safety readiness: The facility improved its ability to meet food safety and regulatory requirements allowing it to expand into new markets.
Operational transitions: The facility successfully navigated two changes in operating partners, maintaining continuity of operations and increasing organizational understanding of the staffing, financial, and technical supports necessary to sustain long-term facility operations.
Projected Farm Changes:
* Profitability: Partner farmers increased their capacity for operational efficiency and expanded production, positioning them for higher profitability through greater production volumes and improved market reach.
* Market access: The development of new market channels increased product exposure and sales opportunities, supporting revenue growth for participating producers.
* Cost efficiency: As aggregation and distribution plans were developed and implemented, producers demonstrated increased capacity to reduce distribution-related costs.
* Time efficiency: Streamlined aggregation and distribution processes reduced the time required for day-to-day operations, allowing producers to reallocate time toward production, planning, and market development.
This project delivered targeted technical assistance to farmer value-added producers, the Blue Acres Appalachian Aquaponics facility, and the Mountain State Co-Hop cooperative to strengthen operational capacity, regulatory readiness, and market access. The project focused on addressing key barriers to scaling value-added production, including food safety compliance, labeling requirements, aggregation and distribution challenges, and access to new markets. Through expert guidance, workshops, and one-on-one technical assistance, participating farmers improved marketing strategies, developed compliant labeling, and strengthened operational systems, supporting increased efficiency and long-term sustainability.
Mountain State Co-Hop strengthened organizational readiness by securing appropriate insurance coverage, developing a food and warehouse safety plan, and advancing aggregation and distribution strategies. In addition, the cooperative advanced planning and preparedness to construct and launch a co-packing facility, positioning it to expand processing capacity, support value-added production, and access larger wholesale, institutional, and interstate markets.
Blue Acres Appalachian Aquaponics improved staffing and budgeting practices and increased its growing capacity through targeted expert consultations and technical assistance. The project also revealed operational vulnerabilities associated with transitions between operating partners, highlighting the need for continued technical assistance to maintain stable operations and ensure the facility’s ability to consistently produce food for the surrounding community. More broadly, these findings reinforced the advanced and ongoing technical assistance needs related to operating an aquaponics facility in West Virginia, underscoring the importance of sustained, dedicated technical assistance for the facility.
In response to these findings, WVFFC has continued to seek funding to advance staff training and build in-house expertise in food safety, labeling, and regulatory compliance, reducing reliance on external consultants and enabling more responsive, tailored support for farmers. WVFFC staff have undergone training with University of Wisconsin’s Food Finance Institute to become more proficient in financial business coaching and with University of Kentucky’s Market Ready training program to gain further knowledge in supporting value added producers in preparing for larger markets. WVFFC staff have also undergone training in advanced food safety, such as, Better Process Control School, Food Sanitation certification, and PCQI (Preventative Controls Qualified Individual) certification.
Overall, the project strengthened farmer capacity to scale operations, reduced logistical and regulatory barriers, and improved readiness for entry into new and expanded markets. The approaches and lessons learned through this project contribute to a more resilient and competitive farm economy in West Virginia.
Education & outreach activities and participation summary
Participation summary:
Consultations:
*Business and market development: 103 1:1 TA sessions provided to Mon Valley Mushrooms, Nita Goods, Arbaugh Farms, Branch and Root, JarHead Farm and Mountain State Co-Hop during this grant period
*Production planning and variety assessments: 29 1:1 sessions were conducted
*FSMA training: 12 1:1 or group sessions were conducted for FSMA training and developing Farm Food Safety Plans.
*The Mountain State Co-Hop: 16 technical assistance meetings around aggregation and distribution, FSMA, and business planning with a Technical Assistance Provider, provided by PCAP.
Curricula Developed: A FSMA planning toolkit was utilized to assist farmers in food safety planning.
Workshops:
* 2 workshops on proper labeling were conducted.
* 4 workshops on soil management were conducted. 2 biochar, 1 Small Farms Conference 2026, 1 Integrated Pest Management
* 1 ag/dist workshop Small Farms Conference 2026
* 1 co-op panel discussion at Small Farms Conference 2026
* 18 workshops/presentations at Soil Health to Shelf Conference
Learning Outcomes
Key areas in which farmers gained knowledge, skills and/or awareness:
Key Areas of Reported Changes in Knowledge, Attitudes, Skills, and Awareness:
* Farm Safety (FSMA): Enhanced understanding of the FSMA requirements and practices.
* Food Safety: Improved knowledge of better processing controls, cold chain management, FSMA, and aggregation and distribution.
* Food and Warehouse Safety Plan: Development and implementation of a comprehensive FSMA-compliant food and warehouse safety plan by Mountain State Co-Hops.
* Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Creation and adoption of new SOPs to improve operational efficiency at Mountain State Co-Hops.
* Employee and Financial Management: The new operating partner of Blue Acre Appalachian Aquaponics gained skills in managing employees and financial resources effectively.
* Increased Capacity: Expanded operational capacity at the aquaponics facility, supporting future growth.
* Increased Knowledge: Farmers/producers increased understanding of the requirements for labeling for interstate commerce.
* Increased Knowledge: Farmers/producers increased understanding of becoming manufacture ready, business scaling, new market opportunities, and financial management.
* Increased knowledge of methods for enhancing soil health.
* Increased knowledge in production planning, IPM (Integrated Pest Management) strategies, and variety selection.
Project Outcomes
Through targeted technical assistance, ongoing training, and collaborative partnerships, WVFFC observed measurable improvements in operational capacity, regulatory readiness, and resource utilization among participating farms, Mountain State Co-Hop, and Blue Acres Appalachian Aquaponics. Access to expert technical assistance strengthened producers’ ability to navigate food safety requirements, pursue capital, plan for aggregation and distribution, and prepare for wholesale, institutional, and direct-to-consumer markets.
Farms
* Increased collaboration among producers, resulting in more efficient aggregation and distribution planning, reduced logistical challenges, and improved profit potential.
* Improved regulatory knowledge through participation in the Better Process Control School and labeling workshops, strengthening readiness for interstate commerce.
* Increased understanding of FSMA requirements and confidence in developing and implementing farm food safety plans.
* Improved access to capital, supporting infrastructure investments, expanded production capacity, and stronger supply chain coordination.
* Greater efficiency in operations, contributing to improved market access, reduced distribution-related costs, and time savings in day-to-day operations.
* Greater awareness and clear pathways for becoming manufacture ready which leads to product development and business scaling.
Mountain State Co-Hop
* Strengthened organizational readiness through identification of comprehensive risk management and insurance needs and securing appropriate liability and governance coverage.
* Developed a food and warehouse safety plan, improving operational safety and regulatory compliance.
* Advanced aggregation and distribution strategies, improving coordination and efficiency across member producers.
* Construction a warehouse to support more efficient aggregation and distribution and expand direct-to-consumer sales, creating a new market channel for Co-Hop members.
* Started development and construction of a food manufacturing co-pack facility which will allow for cost effective and efficient product scaling and development for value added producers to enter interstate markets.
Blue Acres Appalachian Aquaponics
* Improved staffing structures and financial management, resulting in clearer roles, more efficient labor allocation, and stronger budgeting and payroll systems.
* Increased growing capacity and production efficiency through targeted technical assistance and expert consultations.
* Diversified revenue streams by expanding crop production and implementing alternative growing approaches, including vertical systems.
* Improved regulatory compliance and food safety readiness, supporting expansion into new markets.
* Navigated multiple operating partner transitions while maintaining continuity of system, demonstrating increased operational resilience and highlighting the continued need for sustained technical assistance.
The project utilized a targeted, relationship-based technical assistance approach tailored to the specific needs of farmer value-added producers, the Blue Acres Appalachian Aquaponics facility, and the Mountain State Co-Hop cooperative. This approach proved effective in building trust, identifying site-specific challenges, and delivering practical, actionable support. One-on-one consultations and hands-on assistance were particularly impactful, allowing technical support to be responsive to varying levels of capacity, regulatory readiness, and operational complexity across participants.
The project also highlighted several areas for further study and continued investment. As producers scale, there is a growing need for deeper technical expertise related to advanced regulatory compliance, labeling for interstate commerce, co-packing readiness, and aggregation and distribution systems. Facility-level work, particularly at Blue Acres, underscored the importance of sustained technical assistance to support operational continuity during management transitions and to further evaluate long-term staffing, governance, and financial models.
Future efforts would benefit from additional analysis of scalable aggregation and distribution models, long-term capital needs, and the role of dedicated, in-house technical assistance capacity to support increasingly complex value-added and supply chain operations.
Information Products
- Mountain State Cohop Warehouse Food Safety Plan
- FSMA Toolkit
- Blue Acre Appalachian Aquaponics System overview and reccomendations for expanding the production capacity of the Blue Acre Appalachian Aquaponics Facility to include crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers.
- Shaping the Region’s Aggregation & Distribution Future: Strategy Session for Producers & Partners
- Routes, Relationships & Regional Reach: Designing the Next Generation of Food Distribution
- Building Market Power: How the Mountain State Co-Hop Cooperates
- Stronger Together: How Cooperative Power Builds Bigger Markets