Sustaining agricultural producers through direct marketing of processed foods
This project analyzed three components related to the production of food products and potential markets for those products. Kamyar Enshayan, through his survey, found that there is interest and demand for fresh frozen products in the Waterloo, Iowa area. Corn and strawberries were the products buyers most often mentioned purchasing. Buyers are willing to pay more for local products as long as quality standards are met. Moreover, they believe buying local products will increase their business or client satisfaction with their products. Anecdotally, Jill Weber has had no problem in selling the corn and strawberries she has been freezing at an above-market price. Second, Jill Weber has gone through the training to become a food processing authority and register a licensed kitchen. She has gained experience in working with volunteers and determining how a crop share of frozen products may work to reduce cash outlays for facility and labor. Freezing products can return additional dollars above the cost of production. The amount of return depends largely upon the market price of the frozen product. Third, growing vegetables, herbs, and fruit can be profitable. Returns vary by product, but average $70 to $80 per 100 foot by 4 foot bed. With 70 beds per acre, returns would average around $5,000 per acre. The buyer survey clearly indicates an interest in and willingness to purchase locally-grown products. The preliminary budget data indicate that producing raw and frozen produce can be profitable. These budgets need to be published and incorporated in ISU Extension and other outreach programs beginning in fall 2005. The budgets also need to be incorporated into decision making models and whole farm systems and compared to more conventional farming systems in Iowa. Craig Chase Jill Weber Kamyar Enshayan
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