VALUE-ADDED ENTERPRISES SESSION Developing a Sound Value-Added Enterprise for Small Farmers

serving small-scale family-owned/managed farm producers. The program seeks to improve the profitability and enhance the viability of small farm operators. MCE Small Farm Institute provides production systems, farm management, marketing, and outreach educational programs to small farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs. Given the competitive world in which small farms operate today, as well as the development of giant firms creating therefore a risky and uncertain business environment for small farms; high value crops, and value-added enterprises are no longer an option but a necessity for small farmers. Hence, small farmers should be provided with several alternatives to choose from in order to help them succeed and satisfy their clientele. Capitalizing on recent agricultural and demographic changes in the U.S., this session will discuss strategies farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs could use to develop and sustain value-added activities based on new and emerging markets. Several cases will be discussed and illustrated. The session will also address sources of funding for value-added enterprises