Project Overview
Commodities
- Agronomic: corn, potatoes
- Fruits: apples, berries (other), cherries, plums, berries (strawberries)
- Vegetables: sweet potatoes, cauliflower, greens (leafy), onions, peppers, sweet corn, tomatoes
Practices
- Education and Training: networking
- Farm Business Management: business planning, farm-to-institution
- Sustainable Communities: community development, local and regional food systems
Proposal abstract:
The Foodlink Farmers Fulfillment Center will provide the missing connection between area farmers and food purchasers by serving as an ordering and central distribution point. By capitalizing on its existing infrastructure, which includes a fleet of trucks delivering to area non-profits, food warehousing infrastructure, a certified repackaging facility, and a computerized inventory system, Foodlink will pick up locally grown produce in its 10-county service area. The products can then be sold in local markets upstate or, with the help of distributors working with Foodlink, sold to retailers, restaurants, and other outlets in New York City and beyond.
Project objectives from proposal:
By January of 2006, Foodlink will have coordinated a planning meeting for the upcoming growing season to involve producers and buyers in dialogue.
By April of 2006, the Fulfillment Center Coordinator will have attended a minimum of 12 meetings, seminars, or conferences to network and promote participation in the Farmers Fulfillment Center.
By April of 2006, a minimum of eight new growers will be signed up to participate in the Fulfillment Center.
By November of 2006, the Fulfillment Center will have distributed a minimum of 1.2 million pounds of produce from local farmers.
By December of 2006, the Fulfillment Center Coordinator will have compiled an evaluation of the 2006 process and prepared a business and marketing plan for 2007.