Building Human Capital for Value Added Marketing

Building Human Capital for Value Added Marketing

Summary

Objectives of this project include:

1) Develop training and travel opportunities for a team of Extension agents and farmers that will build the human capital necessary to support and encourage value-added projects helping Michigan farmers increase their income and/or create new markets for their products.

2) Continue developing a resource inventory notebook of agribusinesses, researchers, organizations, and governmental agencies that can assist Michigan farmers and Extension agents in nice markets, specialty crops and value-added, farmer-owned processing cooperatives.

3) Conduct on-farm demonstrations in concert with Extension agents and farmers seeking co-learning of sustainable practices and specialty crops that will add to the diversity and value of on-farm products.

Niche markets, specialty crops and value-added, farmer-owned processing cooperatives are seeing an explosion of interest in Michigan. Extension is becoming the leading group to champion these efforts and support farmers as they seek ways to enhance farm incomes.

Other states have far more experience and examples of value-added markets than Michigan does. Visiting these resources, both out of state and in state, and learning from other's successes and failures will provide a strong impact on Extension agents, farmers and other professionals as they tour, visit and explore these marketing options. Developing a core group in Michigan to evolve as skilled trainers, teachers and resource people will build the human capital that will eventually lead to the value-added, farmer-driven markets that increase diversity and profitability to the entire rural community.

For more information:
Natalie Bement Rector
Michigan State University Extension
315 W. Green St.
Marshall, MI 49068
616-781-0785
616-781-0786 (fax)
rector@msue.msu.edu