The UT Agricultural Development Center staff members, Rob Holland and Kent Wolfe, have published a booklet to help farmers increase income. It is entitled “Considerations for a Value-Added Agribusiness.” Adding value to farm products is very important since farmers receive only an average of 21 cents of each dollar spent by consumers. Farmers need to collect more of the other 79 cents spent for labor, packaging, transportation, and other costs.

A new product or service starts as an idea. There are many jobs that have to be done to increase the probability of success before the product gets to market. The authors illustrate to the potential food processor or agribusiness entrepreneur the business steps required to start a new business. They give an overview of the Agricultural Development Center and how the center can evaluate and assist in planning a successful new value-added project.

The ADC staffers say, "Transition by farmers and agri-entrepreneurs into a value-added enterprise is not a straightforward process. New regulations must be understood, new business contacts must be developed, new procedures must be implemented, and new marketing techniques must be explored."

For more information on starting a new value-added farm enterprise, contact the local UT Agricultural Extension Service office and obtain this publication free of charge.