Project Overview
Annual Reports
Commodities
- Agronomic: potatoes
Practices
- Education and Training: demonstration, extension, networking
- Farm Business Management: cooperatives, marketing management, value added
- Sustainable Communities: partnerships, urban/rural integration
Proposal abstract:
The Schools + Potatoes Upper East Tennessee Development System (SPUDS) will develop markets in four local schools systems for a value-added potato wedge product made from potatoes grown by local farmers near these school systems. Based on estimates obtained by project staff from school systems in Sullivan County, Kingsport City, Johnson City and (in the second year), Knox County, farmers from Hancock and Hawkins Counties will plant potatoes for sale to the schools. At harvest, they will process them into potato wedges, freeze them and fill them in plastic 3-lb bags at the Clinch Powell Community Kitchens of Jubilee Project with help from project staff. A Cooperator from Extension staff will provide technical assistance with grower, and a local farmer will provide access at cost to a refrigerated truck for cooperative delivery among participating farmers to school buyers. At least 7 farmers will participate the first year, and 15 in the second, creating at least 4 FTE jobs in year one and 12 in year two of the project. A Field Day will be held in February of each project year to provide information to farmers, buyers, and local officials about the project including how to get involved. An Outreach Packet with facts about the project will be distributed to these and other interested persons.
Project objectives from proposal:
1. At least 7 local farmers will increase income to their farm microenterprise in the first year of the project, and at least 15 farmers by the second year of the project, by producing potatoes for sale to local schools
2. At least 4 FTE jobs will be created in the local community by the end of the first year of the project, and at least 12 FTE jobs by the end of the second year of the project.