Maps help us navigate the world, and they not only show us how to get from point A to point B, but, depending on the type of map, they can also help us to see where patterns, clusters, and gaps exist in a spatial environment. As part of KCARD’s state-wide Local Food System Expansion Initiative, a series of interactive maps has been developed to visualize the Kentucky local food system. Stay tuned for parts two and three of the series in the next few weeks. We will present a closer look into local food sales in Kentucky and the various industries that make up the local food system.
There’s no denying that the world is different than it was before COVID-19. One demonstration of this is the reality that people often don’t carry cash, even when they’re heading shopping or to a farmer’s market. With this in mind, it’s important to consider offering different payment methods (most of which can be contactless). Check out these options for accepting alternative payment methods that don’t require hardware or a full POS system.
The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program is currently accepting applications until April 5th for Infrastructure and Equipment-only projects that expand capacity for aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distribution of food products, for specialty crops, dairy, grains for human consumption, aquaculture, and other food products, excluding meat and poultry.
We’ve been asked lots of questions about the program, so we worked with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to develop this list of frequently asked questions.
Digital marketing can be intimidating, with a lot of moving parts that you must manage and lot of options for tools to use that can be expensive. Check out this list for ideas for cheap (or free!) tools to help grow your digital marketing efforts!
Central Kentucky Grower's Assocation, which began as a vegetable marketing cooperative in 1999, has been looking ahead to new projects, including participating in the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Program through the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Through this program, CKGA are using their producer connections in the area to source and build food boxes that are then distributed to underserved communities across the state with a focus on Eastern Kentucky.
Farmers' markets can be a great way for producers of all sizes to create/expand their customer base and have a consistent marketing opportunity. If you're considering selling at a farmers' market for the first time (or sell at a market already), check out these tips for successfully selling at farmers' markets!
Farmers and business owners often don’t pay themselves a consistent wage/salary for a number of reasons, although they are contributing a lot of sweat equity to the business. Check out this post to learn more about how and why you should consider paying yourself as the owner of the business.
Sustainable Harvest Farm is a produce farm in London, KY owned and operated by Ford and Amanda Waterstrat. Sustainable Harvest Farm is focused on providing sustainably grown organic produce across the state and a fully customizable CSA program.
This week is Kentucky Proud Fall CSA Week so we’re highlighting some of the many benefits of joining a CSA, plus some tips on how to get the most out of your CSA share. CSAs can be a great way to have consistent access to local, fresh produce while also supporting and developing relationships with local farmers.
One direct-to-consumer marketing arrangement that has increased in popularity in the past several years is Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). While this can be a great model for many farm businesses, it’s important to evaluate the pros and cons to understand if starting a CSA is right for your farm business.
Rabbit processing is becoming increasingly popular in the state, and we’ve been receiving some questions about the rules and regulations of rabbit processing. This post summarizes the key regulations you need to follow in order to process rabbits for meat.
The Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development is a non-profit organization established to facilitate agricultural and rural businesses in Kentucky. We are supported primarily through grants provided by the USDA Rural Cooperative Development Program and the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board. Additional support is provided through our work with partners around the state and through fees charged for select client services.
