Farmers Market and Local Food System Initiative
A cluster approach is used to expand small farm Local Food Direct Marketing Networks for Specialty Food Products in selected Florida Counties. Consumers in Florida’s Food Deserts (LI/LA areas) need fresh locally produced products to supplement their diet and small local specialty food producers desire to expand current markets. The long-term goal allows for the establishment of Local Food Direct Marketing Networks consisting of small farming clusters and a School Food Garden/Urban Farm linked to a Student-Lead Farmer’s Market and local Farmers Market on their Farms. The following are implemented: (1) training of clusters of farmers and student-farmers on improved production & harvesting techniques, proper post-harvest food handling procedures for high quality products, (2) providing technical assistance to develop/improve product packaging, distribution, and marketing channels of locally/regionally available specialty food products, (3) promoting food outlet linkages to food deserts in the targeted areas through Farmers Market on the Farm, Student-Lead Farmer’s Market and a Virtual Farmer’s Market Pilot, and (4) implementing marketing and promotions to sustain increased volume of high-value specialty products, and focus on outreach for food availability, especially in Low-Income, Low-Access areas.
A cluster approach is used to expand small farm Local Food Direct Marketing Networks for Specialty Food Products in selected Florida Counties. Consumers in Florida’s Food Deserts (LI/LA areas) need fresh locally produced products to supplement their diet and small local specialty food producers desire to expand current markets. The long-term goal allows for the establishment of Local Food Direct Marketing Networks consisting of small farming clusters and a School Food Garden/Urban Farm linked to a Student-Lead Farmer’s Market and local Farmers Market on their Farms. The following are implemented: (1) training of clusters of farmers and student-farmers on improved production & harvesting techniques, proper post-harvest food handling procedures for high quality products, (2) providing technical assistance to develop/improve product packaging, distribution, and marketing channels of locally/regionally available specialty food products, (3) promoting food outlet linkages to food deserts in the targeted areas through Farmers Market on the Farm, Student-Lead Farmer’s Market and a Virtual Farmer’s Market Pilot, and (4) implementing marketing and promotions to sustain increased volume of high-value specialty products, and focus on outreach for food availability, especially in Low-Income, Low-Access areas.