Organic Seed Producer Database

Organic Seed Producer Database

Summary

In the first six months of the project the front end (web interface) and back end (database and search mechanics) of the Seed Producer Database were created and the marketing outreach was initiated. The producer-cooperators worked with OSA staff to design the interface and to identify the essential search fields. A test version was activated and producers and seed purchasers created profiles and conducted searches and evaluated the utility and user friendliness of the database. Improvements were made from these evaluations. Advertisements and email and web announcements were designed and launched. A presentation on how to create a profile was created to be incorporated into three OSA winter seed workshops. Seventeen producer profiles were created in the first month. Next steps include additional debugging of database based on feedback, launching a direct phone campaign to help producers create profiles, and marketing database to seed purchasers.

Accomplishments/Milestones

Milestones:
June Milestones:
OSA staff and producer partners Rasgorshek and Tipping finalized the database outline
OSA staff created a database flowchart describing interface pathways for seed producers and for seed purchasers. Met with IT specialists to discuss flowchart.

July Milestones:
After producer partners review, database design finalized
Search Database building initiated

August:
Database and interface completed
Producer partners create test profiles and give feedback
Improvements made from feedback

September and October:
Further testing of database by a group of six producers and two seed company representatives

November:
Search Database launched
Database announced on web and promoted at OSA winter workshops

December:
First phase of outreach campaign initiated including mass email and advertising in agricultural publications. Seventeen producers sign up by the end of the first month.

Collaborators: