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Community Ag Development Wrkshp
Last call... We still have space available at the March 12-13 FARMING FOR
THE FUTURE leadership workshop. This is THE place to be if you are working
on local agricultural economic development, community education about
agriculture, regional product identity, agritourism development,
value-adding initiatives, or any number of community-based ag development
projects. We have teams coming in from all over the country, so it promises
to be a great place for networking. Program and registration form are
below.
Space is limited, so if you're interested please call NOW, 607-255-9832,
and send your registration in when we confirm that space is available.
FARMING FOR THE FUTURE
1997 Community Agriculture Development Leadership Workshop
Wednesday March 12, 10AM - Thursday, March 13, 4PM
Watson Homestead Conference Center, Corning, NY
Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Cornell Farming Alternatives Program
invite your participation in the second Community Agriculture Development
Leadership Workshop, to be held at the Watson Homestead Conference and
Retreat Center near Corning, NY. This workshop is designed for Cooperative
Extension professionals, USDA field staff, economic development leaders,
planners, non-profit organizations, farmers, Agriculture and Farmland
Protection Board members and other community leaders interested in
strengthening local agriculture.
Following up on last year's Leadership Workshop in Cazenovia, this will be
an intensive two-days of interaction with teams from communities across New
York State and the Northeast. Workshop Agenda includes:
* Focus sessions on a variety of community and economic development issues
and opportunities in agriculture
* Project planning sessions for teams to plan, evaluate and strengthen
their own local efforts
* Project clinics for teams to present their projects and receive
constructive feedback from other Workshop participants.
SUGGESTED SESSION TOPICS*
A. MARKET DEVELOPMENT: THE POWER OF COOPERATION
Hear the latest on the new generation of Midwest producer co-ops, and
review some recent Northeast cooperative marketing efforts.
B. MARKET DEVELOPMENT: CREATING A REGIONAL PRODUCT IDENTITY. Consumers can
be partners in local agriculture development if they know what to look for.
C. MARKET DEVELOPMENT: THE "AGRICULTURE MARKETING SPECIALIST." Hear from
communities which have recently hired professionals to develop new markets
for local farmers.
D. MARKET DEVELOPMENT: PROMOTING LOCAL WHOLESALING
Learn about "Restaurant Supported Agriculture" and other models for
promoting the purchase of locally grown and raised products.
E. AGRICULTURE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: FORGING THE LINK. Strategies for
putting agriculture on the economic development agenda of your community
and region.
F. URBAN CONNECTIONS FOR AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT. Examples of
projects which are connecting farmers with urban consumers and
entrepreneurs, affluent as well as low-income.
G. AGRITOURISM. Explore regional models for expanding agritourism, as a
tool for economic development and public education.
H. COMMUNICATING AGRICULTURE'S IMPORTANCE.
Share ideas for obtaining and presenting information which effectively
communicates agriculture's impact and potential to key audiences.
I. IMPROVING YOUR TEAM'S PERFORMANCE
Collaboration requires strong teams. Learn to address problem dynamics and
build on your team's strengths through effective process design.
J. "FASTTRAC": FOSTERING FOOD & AG ENTREPRENEURSHIP
FastTrac is a nationally recognized entrepreneurship training program with
a proven track record. Find out how your community can be a FastTrac
partner.
K. THE COMMUNITY FOOD SECURITY ACT
A new USDA program supports local initiatives to link farming and food
marketing to food security, nutrition education, job training, and
entrepreneurship.
L. FINANCING COMMUNITY AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT
Identifying and accessing public and private sector funding resources.
M. FARMWORKERS IN COMMUNITY AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT
Strategies for development which include and empower farmworkers as
important partners.
N. PROTECTING FARMLAND
Hear progress reports and provide feedback for communities engaged in
farmland protection planning.
O. ENHANCING FARMERS MARKETS AS SMALL BUSINESS INCUBATORS. Business
counseling, revolving loan funds, processing or storage facilities,
year-round operation or other amenities can increase the economic impacts
of farmers markets.
P. FOSTERING LOCALLY-OWNED VALUE-ADDED BUSINESSES
Learn how community kitchens and food venture centers are supporting farm
entrepreneurs.
* Session topics will be finalized based on level of interest shown by
preregistrants.
ABOUT REGISTRATION....
In order to provide a quality experience, this workshop is limited to 100
participants. We will be accepting registrations primarily on a first-come,
first-serve basis, and no later than February 28. We may give preference to
certain applicants in order to ensure diversity of organizations,
geographic areas, and interests. Full refunds will be provided to any
registrants we are unable to accommodate.
As in 1996, we strongly encourage local partners from diverse agencies,
organizations and the private sector (e.g. farmers) to register and
participate as a Team. Portions of the workshop are designed for Teams to
work on their own project planning and evaluation. Teams also have the
opportunity to present their project for constructive feedback from a
larger group. To register as a Team, simply photocopy the form below and
complete one form for each member. Make sure all Team members are listed on
each registration form. Please answer all questions fully.
Registration fees cover all meals, materials, and double occupancy
accommodations at the Watson Homestead Conference and Retreat Center for
Wednesday night, March 12. Accommodations Tuesday or Thursday night are
also available at additional cost. If you need to arrive early or stay
late, please contact Joan Padula at the Farming Alternatives Program:
jmp32@cornell.edu, or 607-255-9832 before sending in your registration. A
map and directions will be sent or faxed to all preregistrants.
************************************************************************
REGISTRATION FORM. Please photcopy and send with registration fee. Do not
return by email.
Your Name _________________________________________________
Organization/Farm/Business_________________________________
Address____________________________________________________
City ________________________ State______ Zip____________
Phone ( )__________ Fax__________ Email ___________
Did you attend the February 1996 Leadership Workshop in Cazenovia?
___Yes ____No
Registration (check one):
___ Individual @ $110
___ Team member @ $90
Resource materials (check one):
___ Complete resource notebook @ $30
___ Resources update @ $10 (Since February 1996 Workshop)
Total amount enclosed: _____ (Make check payable to Cornell University)
Name and organization of other Team members attending (Please confirm
before listing. Complete a separate registration form for each.)
Please consult with Team members to answer the following.
1) Key issue, problem or opportunity your Team wishes to address:
2) What other organizations or constituencies (besides Team members listed
above) are you working with:
3) One key strength and one weakness of your Team:
4) Does your Team wish to make a presentation for discussion and feedback?
___ Yes ___ No
SESSION TOPIC PREFERENCES
Referring to the list of topics above, please circle the six (6) topics
which are of greatest interest to you:
A B C D E F G H
I J K L M N O P
MAIL TO:
Farming Alternatives Program
17 Warren Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY, 14853
Judy Green Phone: 607-255-9832
Coordinator Fax: 254-2896
Farming Alternatives Program Email: jg16@cornell.edu
Dept. of Rural Sociology
B17 Warren Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853-7801