financial opportunities in specialty crop production - marlin bates
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Opportunities in Specialty Crop Production
Marlin A. Bates
Director, K-State Research and Extension
Douglas County
Local Food System – by definition
• A system aimed at connecting food producers and consumers in the same geographic region
• in order to develop more self-reliant and resilient food networks, improve local economies
• for health, environmental, community, or social impact in a particular place
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Why Local Food Systems Work Matters
Growing Consumer Interest in Food Provenance
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Increased per Acre Returns for Farmers
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20,000
40,000
60,000
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120,000
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1920 2012
FARMS IN KANSAS
Total # of Farms # of Farms Producing Fruits & Vegetables
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Tiers of the Food System
Where Local Food Fits
• In most of Kansas, Local Food is limited to Tier 1 of the food system
• Few examples of Tier 2 Local Food – Where it does exist, there are often considerable barriers to entry
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Where Farmers Are Selling
Direct-to-Consumer Marketing Options
Increasing Revenue by Capturing Premium Prices
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Direct-to-Consumer Marketing Options
Farmers Markets
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Direct-to-Consumer Marketing Options
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
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Direct-to-Consumer Marketing Options
Roadside Stand/On-Farm Store
Direct-to-Consumer Marketing Options
U-Pick
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Direct-to-Consumer Marketing Options
Special Events
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Kaw Valley Farm Tour
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Poor Okay Good Great Excellent
Exit Surveys at Farms (Participant Experience)
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Intermediated Sales Avenues
Moving larger quantities quickly
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Adding Value
Moving from fresh product to value-added
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Learning More
Joining the community of producers who contribute to local food system
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Growing Lawrence – Meeting Topics
2016 Growing Lawrence Meeting Schedule
January 20 – Winter Social and Annual Meeting – Hank Charcuterie 5:30 PM
February 3 – Concerns and Obstacles for 2016 – Extension Office 7:00 AM
March 2 – Update on Regional Food Hub – Extension Office 7:00 AM
April 6 – High Tunnel/Greenhouse Production – Pendleton’s Country Market 6:30 PM
May 4 – Legal Issues on the Farm – Extension Office 7:00 AM
June 1 – Equipment for Vegetable Production – Juniper Hill Farms 7:30 PM
July 6 – Vineyard Tour/Grape Production – Kugler’s Vineyard 7:30 PM
August 3 – Farm Assistance Programs – Extension Office 7:00 AM
September 7 – Tree Fruit Production – South Baldwin Farms 6:30 PM
October 5 – Mushroom Production – Wakarusa Valley Farm 6:00 PM
November 2 – Maximizing Markets – Extension Office 7:00 AM
December 7 – Cooperative Purchasing Opportunities – Extension Office 7:00 AM
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In Summary
• There may be numerous reasons to consider entering into the specialty crop arena.
– Profit potential, Bring back the next generation, Satisfy increasing demand, Increase regional food security, etc.
• While there are many cropping options, there are also a handful of marketing options to consider.
• For those with little experience, there is a relatively steep learning curve, so find the support that you need early on.
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Thank You
Marlin A. Bates
Director, K-State Research and Extension
Douglas County