VALUE ADDED AGRCULTURE EFFORTS IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
Extension Education
Van Ayers
Agriculture and Rural Development Specialist
University of Missouri Extension
Bloomfield
Abstract
\r\n For over 15 years, there have been numerous value added agriculture efforts in Southeast Missouri, conducted by University of Missouri Extension. These efforts were part of a two prong approach consisting of value added agriculture education and facilitation. Educational efforts included meetings, conferences and personal contact with the objective of informing clientele of both value added agriculture business opportunities and methods to develop those opportunities. Facilitation incorporated the organization of farmer groups, networking with other agencies and non-profits and grant acquisition to develop value added agriculture enterprises. Facilitation efforts were based on the concept of a learning organization, in which the farmer participants engaged in a learning process about the enterprise, which typically produced a feasibility study of the value added agriculture enterprise under consideration; and then the farmer participants questioned the assumptions and results from this study. The educational and facilitation efforts had both direct and indirect influence on new value added agriculture enterprises in the region.
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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.
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Authors: V. Ayers
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Ayers, V. Agriculture and Rural Development Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, Missouri, 63825