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As the
interest by Tennessee small-farmers and agri-entrepreneurs
in value-added products and enterprises expands, so does the
demand and need for pertinent market development information,
resources, strategies and training. In order to enhance the
chances for success, these entrepreneurs must conduct useful
market analysis and develop thorough marketing plans. However,
proper business planning for new, value-added activities by
small farmers and agri-entrepreneurs is often stifled by the
lack of documented market information. However, one step at
a time, market development studies, strategies and resources
will be valuable, if not critical, to the success of new agribusinesses.
The July
2001 to June 2003 FSMIP project will develop five market development
resource tools, produce two hands-on evaluation resources
that will allow users to evaluate market opportunities with
respect to personal and site-specific data, circumstances
and situations, will provide the needed data for the development
of applicable teaching resources for those seeking a better
understanding of marketing value-added products and will extend
the success of a market development project funded in-part
by FSMIP in 1999. The success of this project will result
from efforts of multi-disciplinary teams of specialists, educators,
farmers and entrepreneurs who are committed to expanding market
opportunities and will be measured through implementation
of various input, output and impact evaluation tools.
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