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.
Happy National Farmers Market Week! This week, we’re celebrating with farmers markets across the state, like Franklin County Farmers Market, and highlighting how KCARD can work with markets on various projects.
Many KCARD clients sell their products at their local farmers markets, so we've compiled some tips to help you have the best possible experience when visiting the farmers market. Remember that when you shop at your local farmers market, you are paying for a fresher, tastier product that benefits your local economy by keeping every food dollar local.
Are you wondering if a point of sale system is a good fit for your business? A POS System allows you to maintain sales history, adjust production or buying decisions as well as analyze sales data to figure out how well items on your shelves are selling. Check out this blog post to learn more!
This week we are featuring the USDA Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program Grants. If you're interested in applying, check out the three webinars we have shared! These webinars will give you an inside scoop into crafting your grant proposal and government statistics on local food.
USDA opened the Community Food Project Grants and the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program Grants (formerly FINI) early this year. There is a super short turn around with applications due on June 3rd and 10th respectively. Also, the USDA Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program Grants are open with a deadline of June 18. Click to check out more information about the programs.
If you have a retail spot or retail product at a farmers market, you have some valuable real estate. Every square foot of that space has the potential to earn money and you need to use that space as effectively as you can to maximize your profit. Here are three tips for using every square foot to increase your sales.
This week we are featuring the USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program Grants, USDA Rural Business Development Grants, and the USDA Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program Grants.
This week we are featuring the Kentucky State University's Small Scale Farm Grant Program, and Community Farm Alliance's Farmers Market Support Program which offers a Kentucky Double Dollars cost share and a farmers market manager cost share. Please check out more information about each program below.
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.
