Farmers have increased the economic viability and diversity of their farming operations and understand that the development of local food systems represents an economic opportunity for the future of their operation.
| Indicators for Evaluation |
Evaluation of Progress |
| Outcome 1: Increased number of farmers raising food for local markets and thereby an increased amount of product to meet unmet demand. |
| More farmers possess the knowledge and skills to produce food products with consistent quality and quantity. |
- Approximately 35 farmers and extension board members attended a session on selling locally at the Soils and Crops conference. (STL Q3-0405)
- 23 apprentices have signed up for the Growing Growers season-long program. (KC Q4-0405)
- Distributed information and educational materials to 930 livestock producers on how to access federal sustainable agriculture and conservation programs. (Annual Report 0506)
- Provided information on marketing, processing and production of alternative crops to 9 farmers in the East Central region. (STL Q2-0607)
|
| Number of farmers listed in Agri-Missouri buying guide serving the targeted geographical locations increases by 5%.
|
|
| Outcome 2: Enhanced economic viability and diversity of participating farming operations.
|
| At least two farmers in each area will demonstrate the lessons learned about sustainability and economic viability.
|
- 255 farmers were contacted about taking advantage of a free advertising opportunity through the To Market…To Market Local Food Circles Guide through email, direct mail and fliers. (STL Q2-0607)
|
| Farmers serving targeted locations feel they have an increased number of market options
|
- Missouri Meat Processors had a day-long workshop to address the marketing of meat products attended by over 20 individuals working in the meat processing industry. (KC Q3-0405)
- Provided technical assistance regarding food safety and health standards to market organizers, helped them to source vendors for new markets. and promoted all the farmers' markets in the area.
- Promoted and held three local food events and three local food meetings at which 2,950 pounds of local food was prepared by chefs and caterers in St. Louis and Mid-Missouri. These events drew over 640 people and were used to highlight Missouri farmers and chefs who are committed to producing and preparing local food. (Annual Report 0506)
- Maintained a Mid-Missouri local food producer coordination team that brings together producers who raise a variety of products to increase the coordination of storage and distribution of locally raised produce. Three MRCC food coop members have continued the diversification of their farming operations to include produce that is purchased by the MRCC food cooperative. (Annual Report 0607)
- Completed “Fresh Harvest” feasibility study detailing information on the market for locally grown, high-quality produce in the St. Louis and Mid-Missouri market areas. The results showed that those interested in buying some or all of 31 targeted fruits and vegetables included:
- 21 supermarket retailers representing 156 individual grocery stores
- 12 of the largest St. Louis wholesalers & brokers or those doing business in St. Louis metro or Central Missouri
- 35 chefs representing 50% of the fine-dining restaurants located in St. Louis metro and East Central Missouri
- 10 foodservice distributors representing 69% of all foodservice distributors located in St. Louis metro and Central Missouri
- The Kansas City Metro Area continues to expand its number of Farmers’ Markets with nine new markets established. (KC 0708)
- Held three local food events in Kansas City bringing together Mid-Missouri farmers with our longtime allies within the KC African-American religious community to celebrate our cultural and food heritages. Along with these events, we barbequed sustainably raised meat, held a local food sale, and provided educational material about the positives of buying local foodstuffs to the total of 225 people who attended. (MRCC 0708)
|
| Outcome 3: Increased understanding among farmers that the development of community-based food systems represents an economic opportunity for the future of their operation.
|
| Attendance of farmers at educational meetings exploring alternative agriculture options increases by 10% over 3 years.
|
- Co-sponsored the "Selling Local in Kansas City" conference which attracted 185 farmers, chefs, processors and retailers seeking information and connections. (Annual Report 0405)
- 255 farmers were contacted about taking advantage of a free advertising opportunity through the To Market…To Market Local Food Circles Guide through email, direct mail and fliers. (STL Q2-0607)
- 81 farmers in Vernon and Bates County participated in a 7 hour food defense training this spring.
- Held one Conservation Stewardship Program field day in Northeast Missouri attended by 15 farmers highlighting alternative production methods and encouraging diversification. (MRCC 0708)
- Mailed information on Federal Conservation Programs to 4,000 farm and rural families. (MRCC 0708)
|
| Number of inquiries about local food options to MRCC and Food Circles offices increases by 10% over the life of the project.
|
|
| Number of farmers producing for the local food market increases from 49 to 60.
|
- Three coop farmer members diversified their operations to include produce that was purchased by coop members.
- 9 Farmers were directed to farmers' markets, 4 Farmers have been directed to chefs looking for local produce, and 4 Producers were introduced to local grocery store. (STL Q4-0405)
- Two additional coop farmer members diversified their operations to include produce that was purchased by coop members. (Annual Report 0506)
- 9 growers and 10 chefs are participating in a website project designed to facilitate communication between growers and chefs. (Annual Report 0506)
- Gateway Greening was able to grow out 25,000 seedlings to be planted in 150 community gardens. (STL Ext 06)
- St. Patricks Center’s urban farm was “installed” and currently growing produce. (STL Ext 06)
- Two additional Amish programs were initiated. (KC Q2-0607)
- Increased the number of Mid-Missouri farmers producing local products for the MRCC coops to 23. (Annual Report 0607)
- Partnered with an all-local grocery store and dairy farm based in Mid-Missouri to coordinate transportation, sell and promote Missouri raised produce, meat & cheeses in St. Louis. (MRCC 0708)
|
| Number of processors and distributors serving farmers’ markets, restaurants, schools and groceries increases from 56 to 65.
|
- Facilitated new distribution channels between St. Joseph area grocery stores and meat processors in the Kansas City area, and connected an organic dairy with three new marketing venues in St. Louis. (Annual Report 0405)
|
| Outcome 4: Enhanced number of entrepreneurial businesses, including processors, distributors, grocers, chefs and food services, serving the demand for locally produced foods.
|
| Number of retailers carrying local food products in the targeted areas increases from 43 to 51.
|
- Approximately $3 million of locally produced food was sold through KC retail stores in 2004. (Annual Report 0405).
- Kansas City Metro Meat Processors are growing their businesses by marketing locally produced, high-quality products into the St Joseph Hyvee Markets. (KC Q3-0506)
|
| Number of food distributors stocking local food products in the targeted areas increases from 13 to 16.
|
- Worked with one distributor in the metro area interested in accessing locally grown food products. (Annual Report 0405)
|
| Expanded capacity for processing local food products, including meat, dairy, grains and vegetables increases by 5%.
|
- Generations Cooperative has established and is now marketing its CSA program to KC Metro area residents. The year-round CSA will offer dairy, grains, meats and vegetables. (KC Q3-0506)
|