Extension News: Entrepreneurs Archives

If you’ve dreamed about turning Aunt Bertha’s recipe for wild blueberry pancake syrup into a business enterprise, or retooling your dairy operation to make artisan cheeses, the New England Extension Food Safety Consortium has a new Web site for you.

Online Support for New England Food Entrepreneurs serves as a one-stop Web gateway that walks you through the entire process of starting (or growing) a specialty food business, from developing and testing your recipe, to learning about federal and state regulations, raising capital, and finding help for business planning, marketing, transportation, packaging, labeling, equipment, and much, much more.

UNH Cooperative Extension’s food and nutrition specialist Catherine Violette and UMass Extension food safety educator Rita Brennan Olson head up the project team, which includes Cooperative Extension food science, food safety and nutrition staff from all six New England states.

“I get lots of calls from folks who want to start or expand a specialty food business, so food entrepreneurs are a group that’s long been an interest of mine,” said Violette. “The new site will replace our print publication N.H. Handbook and Resource Guide for Specialty Food Producers, enabling us to organize and keep up-to-date in one place all the information specialty food producers need.”

The well-designed site features simple intuitive navigation and an excellent site map.

Violette has organized an impressive range of information and resources specific to New Hampshire.

A Resources section connects site visitors with a wealth of information from selected food entrepreneur sites across the nation.

An innovative feedback feature allows visitors to rate various aspects of the site and make specific suggestions for improvements or additions.

Site may benefit local agricultural producers

“It’s great!” says Gail McWilliam-Jellie, director of agricultural development for the N.H. Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food. “There’s a lot of general information useful to anyone interested in starting a food business; but there’s also a lot of state-specific information.”

“We get a lot of calls from people who want to start a food business,” she says. “Since product developers have to do a lot of their own homework, it’s been frustrating not to have a source of updated information to refer people to. I like the fact that the site offers business and marketing resources. A lot of people who have a great idea for a food product don’t have a clue about how to bring that idea into the marketplace.”

McWilliam-Jellie says the site may benefit New Hampshire ’s agricultural producers. “Developing a food product that makes use of their own raw materials is one way growers can retain control over their product and pocket more of the profits that would otherwise go to middlemen.”

What local institution helps preserve open space, improve public health, create jobs, generate income that stays in the local economy, revitalize downtowns and foster a sense of community? A farmers’ market of course!

“Farmers’ markets are re-energizing and re-invigorating New Hampshire cities and towns” says Jack Potter, founder and director of the N.H. Farmers’ Market Association. “Markets are providing a highly valued social event that people look forward to each market day. They are bringing an awareness of the importance of local farms and food quality into the minds and kitchens of thousands of people throughout our state. On market days, people drawn to the markets also visit and buy from other community merchants.” 

According to Gail McWilliam Jellie, who directs the of Agricultural Development for the N.H. Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food Division 48 markets, “ will operate in cities and towns throughout New Hampshire this summer, with several more expected to open before the end of the growing season. When I took this job 11 years ago, there were only 11.”

McWilliam Jellie credits the federal Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program as the primary force driving the explosive growth of farmers markets throughout New Hampshire. The FMNP provides coupons that qualifying low-income families and seniors can redeem for fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets.

“A N.H. Farmers’ Market Association survey estimated that the state’s farmers’ markets grossed about $800,000 last year,” says McWilliam Jellie. “FMNP coupons accounted for nearly $200,000, or about one-quarter of gross receipts.”

McWilliam Jellie says a resurgence of interest in farming and local initiatives to revitalize downtowns also factor heavily into the growth of farmers’ markets statewide. “I’m wondering when the trend will peak,” she says, adding that the pilot program enabling market vendors to accept the electronic cards used by food stamp recipients “has the potential to expand farmers’ market activity even more dramatically.”

Although locally-produced fresh fruit and vegetables play the starring role, most markets also offer a broad range of products reflecting New Hampshire’s rural heritage: plants and flowers, eggs, poultry, pork, wool, honey and maple syrup, baked goods, handmade soap and crafts. Many markets offer educational programs, cooking demonstrations, live animals, music, activities for children and festivals.

Growers needed!

“Most markets need more growers,” says Nada Haddad, Extension educator in Rockingham County. “Fruits and vegetables sustain these markets. More and more people are shopping at farmers’ markets, and we’re getting more and more markets every year, so we will continue to need more growers.” Haddad suggests that interested producers call their county Extension office or contact the manager of their local market for information on how to get involved or attend the May 12 workshop described below.

For more information:

Selling at a Farmers’ Market Essential tips for people who sell agricultural products at N.H. farmers’ markets.

New Hampshire Farmers’ Market Association A wealth of information for vendors and prospective vendors.

Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program Official pages on USDA’s Farmers Market Nutrition Programs for WIC recipients and low-income seniors.

USDA Farmer Direct Marketing Contains links to many information resources for vendors and consumers of farm-fresh products.

5 A Day Produce for Better Health Foundation Describes the health benefits of vegetables and fruits, contains links to fact sheets, recipes, research reports and more.