PROMOTING VALUE-ADDED ENTERPRISES AMONG SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED FARMS IN ALABAMA By James O. Bukenya, Ph.D. Presented at the Project Director Meeting: Prosperity for Small and Medium-Sized Farms and Rural Communities Miami, Florida (November 7, 2011).
PROJECT OBJECTIVES Research, Outreach & Education Assess the potential for small to medium-size farms to produce value-enhanced commodities, by gaining a better understanding of what is occurring, what works well, what does not, and how these value chains impact farmers. Identify the impact that the production of high value commodities, including the role of collaborative producer associations and small agro-processing firms, can have on the development of rural communities. Develop and implement an operational outreach, technical assistance and education programs to enhance awareness of and increase participation in value added enterprises.
METHODS & TECHNIQUES Research, Outreach & Education Focus Groups; Survey questionnaire administered to: Farmers and economic development organizations to determine their role in helping to organize and promote production and marketing of high value farm products; Pilot projects; Case studies of small and medium-sized farms; Outreach and technical assistance; and Education. Accomplishments: 1. Producer Survey. 2. Local Leaders survey. 3. Pilot Projects: -Biofuel crops, goat enterprises, fruits, herbs, hydroponics, organics, -Feasibility Studies. 4. Technical Assistance. 5. Extension and Outreach. 6. Education.
Long-Term Impact We have successful launched an outreach education program at Butler High School, Huntsville AL. MOU has been signed by AAMU President to continue this effort beyond the grant period. So far, 30 high school students from Butler High School have participated in our summer entrepreneurship education program.
Long-Term Impact We have successful launched an outreach education program at Robert C. Hatch High School, Uniontown AL. MOU has been signed by AAMU President to continue this effort beyond the grant period. So far, 35 high school students from Robert C. Hatch High School have participated in our summer entrepreneurship education program.
Long-Term Impact Alabama A&M University President touring a site approved for the installation of a green house for the new urban farming program at Butler High School which is an output of this NRI project. The urban farming program was designed as a teaching laboratory (experiential training) for high school students.
Value Addition: Education Tours High school students participated in several education tours. Exposed to biofuel crop (Canola) produced and tested by researchers at AAMU as an alternative.
Value Addition: Education Tours HUMBLE HEART FARM Goat farmer adding value to his goat business by producing: goat milk, goat cheese, goat ice cream.
Value Addition: Education Tours GARDEN COVE SPECIALTY STORE Local entrepreneur adding value to locally produced farm products: High value farm products (organics) Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts, herbs, etc.
Value Addition: Education Tours SPARKS HYDROPONIC FARM Local entrepreneur using hydroponic system to produce high value fruits and vegetables: Strawberry, Tomatoes, Herbs, Greens, etc.
Entrepreneurial Summer Camp Business Dev. & Financial Management: Business plan, Personal Finances, Business Loans, Taxes, etc.
Summer Camp Award Banquet Award Banquet: Best Business Plan. Leadership Award. Scholarship.
PROJECT TEAM Dr. James O. Bukenya Dr. Ernst Cebert Mr. LaMar Hauck Dr. Emerson Nyakatawa Dr. Duncan Chembezi Dr. Maria Leite-Browning Mr. Robert Spencer Mr. Eric Ohen-Nyako Dr. Buddhi Gyawali Dr. Banarjee Swagata Mr. Eddie J. Wheeler Ms. Daniel Starks Mr. Brazil Latrivas PARTICIPANTS Dr. Kurt Gardner, USDA Liaison Mr. James Falcon, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones Mr. Gokul Ghale, AAMU Farm Manager Mr. Sidney, Garden Cove Specialty Store Ms. DeLinda Smith, Program Specialist, Testing Dept. Ms. Chandra Glover Admissions Counselor Mr. Cary Watkins, Admissions Counselor Mr. Jimmy Sparks, Hydroponic Farm Mr. Mark Brown, Huntsville Chamber of Commerce Mr. Chuck Pearson, Plant Manager, Tyson Inc. Ms. Georgia Hendricks, Assistant VP, Regions Bank Ms. Leslie Spell, Humble Heart Farm Mr. Tate, Tate Farms Butler High School Robert C. Hatch High School