Town of Rumford community and economic development planning for agriculture

Town of Rumford community and economic development planning for agriculture

Summary

The effect of a community's lack of attention to agriculture economic development is felt by farmers and their families and by local citizens. Farmers can only adapt and innovate so much to maintain an economically viable living; without help from the community they will continue to experience pressures that will eventually drive them out of business. And if a majority of consumers feel that buying local food helps the economy, then losing more farms will not provide those opportunities. There is a disconnect between what citizens act upon for economic development in the community and what is needed to support a viable agricultural sector. Until communities begin to address agricultural economic development, farmers will continue to struggle for economic parity with other businesses in the community.

Work up to now to help communities more actively support agriculture through economic development projects has not yielded results because of competing policies, regulations, and an overall lack of integration into a town’s community and economic development plans. What we have learned is that, until a community takes seriously the need for agriculture economic development planning and follow-through, individual projects to add value or otherwise support farms will have limited success.

Objectives/Performance Targets

The objective of the project is to develop an economic development plan for the Town of Rumford and surrounding communities on how best to integrate agricultural development into existing economic plans. That plan will incorporate strategies to expand agriculture businesses and attract new ones, build the necessary processing and value-added infrastructure necessary to support local farms, provide support services, and address tax and zoning issues favorable to agriculture development.

Accomplishments/Milestones

At the end of 2006, the project lost two key people responsible for implementation. Steve Eldridge, town manager, resigned from his position, and Rosie Bradley, executive director of the River Valley Growth Council, resigned and move to another community. The losses resulted in delays that were unforeseeable at the beginning of the project. Due to this not much progress was made in the interim between Steve and Rosie leaving and the appointment of Mark Hews to the position of project leader. The following summary captures the progress to date for the project. As of April, the Agriculture Commission is meeting full time, twice a month, and is beginning to draft the economic development plan that is the major deliverable as part of this project.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

• Progress from project beginning to December 2006

  Farmer Surveys:
  • total of 50 sent
  • only 6 returned (follow up phone calls, not much response or don’t apply)
  • obtained list from Mark Hews
  • advertised in GC Quarterly Newsletter
  • advertised through Chamber
  • advertised through email contacts
  • promotion throughout 10 towns of River Valley
  • partner from River Valley Farmer’s Market (Annette Marin project)

  The next step from the farmer surveys is for the Commission analyze the data.

  Customer Surveys:
  • 250 to general public (towns, libraries, TC, OFCU, Hospital, etc.)
  • Received 72 back
  • Advertised through Chamber, GC quarterly newsletter
  • Fairly good response & feedback from community

  The next step for customers of the farmers market is to analyze the data hours, places, better advertising of market, quality of goods, variety of goods, local products)

  Commission formed:
  • Appointment from the Town of Rumford to 5 people to Agriculture Commission
  • Set Agenda for meeting
  • Collaborate with Mark Hews

  Expenses incurred:
  • Staff time-
  • Supplies-

  Summary
  Surveys for both customers and farmers for the project were completed and the results were compiled. The Agricultural Commission was formed by the town of Rumford in conjunction with the Growth Council. A group in the Dixfield area would like to partner and assist however they can, and a couple of people from this group will be part of the commission.

  There was not much of a response from farmers in the area. Most contacted were either not interested or only produced hay. Others simply felt they wouldn’t be able to spare time for a committee. A few of the farmers recognize in their surveys that the market needs to be held on a weekend or for longer hours during the week. Some are in need of financial assistance. Also mentioned from the farmers were better advertisement and too much work for the little or no profit. One comment from a farmer was that people will buy whatever is cheaper or better selection rather than supporting the local farmers.

  The general public listed many things that could improve the farmers' market. A lot of comments resulted in better advertising and displaying hours and days better. Some did not know even know when they were here. Most that have discovered have done so by passing the market on the road. The majority (not by much) have shopped the market. Word of mouth in this area was the most exposure for the market. The availability of more local products and convenient days hit high numbers, since most citizens work during the day and wish to visit the market after 5 p.m. It is between "extremely important" and "very important" that the products are of high quality. Other "very important" categories were variety, local products, and good farmer representation. Different activities at the market were not identified as being important at all. Fresh seasonal produce, location, and upcoming products that are well promoted scored "very important" as well.

  Now that the commission is formed, the next step is to set the agenda and hold the first meeting. Mark Hews will be helping us set the agenda and focal points for conversation and action.