Competitive Grant Projects Funded in FY2004-05

Joint WI RME Project for Fresh Market Apple, Berry , & Vegetable Producers
Wisconsin Apple Growers Association
Project Director: Anna Maenner 920-478-3852

Executive Summary

This project will address the risks associated with the lack of comprehensive business planning in small, specialty crop farming operations. This proposal will expand growers risk management skills by focusing on financial and human resource risk. Participants are apply, berry, and fresh market vegetable producers in Wisconsin who will, through a survey, self-evaluate their current ability to manage risk in these areas. Based on these evaluations, subsequent training sessions will be held to provide information which individuals will use to develop action plans to address their risk exposure. Follow-up contact will be made with participating farmers to gauge progress and to help them complete their identified steps. 200 farms will complete the self-evaluation. 140 farms will participate in a training session and develop action plans. 70 farms will follow through with their action steps and address a minimum of one risk factor.