The agricultural sector is undergoing major structural shifts as a result of consolidation, dwindling farmland, aging farmer population, and concerns about negative social and environmental impacts of industrial agriculture. Meanwhile, demand for local, ecologically-sound food is increasing rapidly as consumers, advocates, and policy-makers seek to support local and regional food systems. Current and aspiring farmers and food business owners face significant barriers in accessing land, capital and markets, as well as developing viable business models. These barriers present particular obstacles for historically-marginalized groups such as people of color, women, and low-income individuals. Access to business technical assistance – whether educational programs or business advisors – is a foundational support system for agricultural entrepreneurs with businesses at all stages and scales, to help ensure and farm and food businesses are economically viable and successful. There is no consistent support available to help farmers and food businesses develop long-term economic viability.
We are a cohort of farm and food business technical assistance providers and funders, ranging from direct service providers, advocacy non-profits, and agricultural extension services, to foundations. We envision a vibrant local and regional farm and food business economy in the Northeastern US, where entrepreneurs can overcome barriers to access the tools, resources, and know-how they need to flourish. We came together at the National Farm Viability Conference in 2017 to inform the development of a strategic agenda, outlined in The Blueprint, for the development of a regional network of organizations, programs and services that supports the long-term economic viability of farm and food businesses.The success of food and farm businesses contributes to both the transformation of the food and agriculture system by meeting consumer demand, and to meeting state and regional goals to develop local food systems.
The Blueprint lays out three primary objectives:
- Objective 1: Cultivate a pipeline of business advisors to advise agricultural entrepreneurs across all business stages, scales, types, and populations.
- Objective 2: Develop a strong interstate network that provides professional development, networking, and advocacy opportunities for business technical assistance providers.
- Objective 3: Secure sufficient funding and other resources to ensure access to one-on-one business technical assistance across the New England and Hudson Valley regions.
Click here to view The Blueprint.
To learn more or get involved, please email the Blueprint communications team at blueprint AT thecarrotproject.org.
