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EXTENSION PARTNERS WITH SOUTHSIDE GROWERS TO BRING MAJOR AGRITOURISM AND MARKETING OPPORTUNITY TO THE REGION

Extension Education

Lindy Fimon
Extension Agent
Virginia Cooperative Extension
Lunenburg

Abstract

Produce marketing in Southside Virginia has traditionally been limited to roadside stands and direct sales despite the interest of growers to expand. In 2010, a group of growers in Charlotte County partnered with Extension to research new marketing options. The group determined that a wholesale produce auction would mitigate some of the current market limitations, forming Southside Produce Auction, LLC in 2012.  Auction representatives and Extension personnel met with potential producers and buyers, and in 2013, growers and Extension partnered to open a new facility and increase market potential through the meetings on food safety, buyer interests, and promoting local foods. Auction buyers represented 13 Virginia counties and 10 states. Growers represented 15 counties and the diverse group included English, Amish, and Mennonite, small and large farms, and new producers. The Southside Produce Auction, LLC increased its reach considerably in 2013 by partnering with Extension for help with marketing decisions, sale facilitation, and feedback. Stakeholders invested $650,000 in the community to establish the auction. The auction brought over 6,000 visitors to Charlotte County in 2013. Sales of produce increased from 350,000 lbs in 2012 to 650,000 lbs in 2013. A survey of the participating growers has indicated a 100% to 400% increase in produce sales since 2011. The Extension “Product of the Week” program served 800 clients in 2013 and caused strawberry and squash prices to double in one week. Acreage in Charlotte County alone dedicated to produce increased 300% and an additional 28 new enterprises have been established.

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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

A poster file has not been provided

Authors: L. Tucker, Siegle Laura, Marks Darla, Long Theresa, McCann Haley, Miller Caitlin, Crews Sarah, Grosse Rachel, Chewning Caroline, Bowen Jason, Daniel Donna, Overby Katherine, Gregory Tracey, L. Jones Robert
  1. Tucker, L. Extension Agent, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia, 23952
  2. Laura, S. Extension Agent, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia, 23002
  3. Darla, M. 4-H Extension Agent, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia, 23923
  4. Theresa, L. Unit Administrative Assistant, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia, 23923
  5. Haley, M. ANR Extension Agent, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia, 23955
  6. Caitlin, M. FCS Extension Agent, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia, 23901
  7. Sarah, C. 4-H Extension Agent, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia, 23952
  8. Rachel, G. ANR Extension Agent, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia, 23063
  9. Caroline, C. FCS Extension Agent, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia, 23917
  10. Jason, B. Food Safety Extension Agent, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia, 23955
  11. Donna, D. FCS Extension Agent, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia, 23952
  12. Katherine, O. ANR Extension Agent, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia, 23901
  13. Tracey, G. FCS Extension Agent, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia, 23923
  14. Robert, L. ANR Extension Agent, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia, 23923