Hello Again,
Since the last entry things have been falling into place.
The needs assessment has been completed, presented and updated as per comments from EDs and others. A pdf of that will be available upon request.
The workplan for this project is established and plans for upcoming programs are underway. Below is a compilation of the programs that I have been involved in as well as what is coming down the pike.
Completed:
Maple Schools: Bernadette worked with Michele to provide consistent information and resources across the region at all three Maple Schools held in NNY. Michele presented at Lewis & St. Lawrence Maple Schools, Bernadette presented in Clinton.
Upcoming:
March 2-5 – Cooperative Week: Involvement with this on several levels. Attending the March 2nd, session in Tupper Lake, Facilitating evening video conference for Cooperatives Start-ups, and then Facilitating with Katherine in Canton. Meant to encourage networking between two farmer organizations.
Wednesday March 4th Schedule
AM: Brian & one-on-one meeting NNY Farmers Partnership group,
Networking Lunch with Brian,
PM: NNYFP & North Country Grown Cooperative,
Involvement with March Beef Week and Sheep Week – presentations on USDA Grass-Fed Standards and Marketing
NCRFI (Katherine’s Project) – presentations to Counties – revised presentation, Katherine is working on distributing this, and we will schedule presentations soon. Katherine and I will be meeting with ANCA and AEDC (Adirondack Economic Development Corp) next Thursday (February 19th) to present the findings from the NCRFI as well as the general trends in agriculture across the region.
In the Works
Distribution : Working with the Middleman Schedule for April
Topics & Speakers:
– Shawn Glazier & Renzi Rep? – What a Distributor Wants
– Branding Local – Growing for Value-Added production to stabilize YOUR market options – Craig Bilow
– Storage Facilities: Working together—North Country Grown Cooperative
– Variety Development – Growing for Market – John Mischanec
Have contacted speakers and have tentative confirmation from two, trying to connect with John. If I cannot confirm soon, then will hold off scheduling this program until fall to ensure sufficient time for promotion.
General Outreach:
Articles: submitted to counties, these are articles that I have written personally.
Topics & Titles include:
1) Using Your Producer Association to Promote Your Products Locally
2) Getting off on the Right Foot (marketing ideas using the calendar year)
Radio spot: Regular local radio spot on local food, still working on getting a spot on NPR Little progress so far, will continue to work on this one.
Started plans for the regional summer displays.
Farmers Market Survey Reports: I am working with Allyson Jones-Brimmer on this. Allyson is the student intern that conducted the primary research last summer across the North Country. Allyson is just finishing up the raw data compilation and putting that into a template that will allow for specific information for each market to be pulled. From that I will be able to complete the reports for each market across the region. She will have this information to me by the end of next week. We will have this information for the March Farmers Market meetings that are scheduled.
