Carol Crenshaw wrote:Thanks John. I'm new to this so I don't know what you mean when you say AG extension agent. I was hoping to sell at the farmers market on Bardstown Rd.
Hi, when I said AG I meant agriculture extension agent. Heres a bit of info
What is Cooperative Extension?
About Us
Kentucky’s two land-grant universities, the University of Kentucky and Kentucky State University, serve as partners in conducting educational programs through Cooperative Extension. The program delivery process involves Extension faculty, county agents, advisory council members, volunteer leaders and the general public
Vision
Kentucky Cooperative Extension is the educational resource for all Kentuckians that serves as a catalyst to build better communities and improve quality of life.
Mission
Kentucky Cooperative Extension serves as a link between the counties of the Commonwealth and the state’s land grant universities to help people improve their lives through an educational process focusing on their issues and needs. We emphasize:
* Valuing diversity and capitalizing on its potential to strengthen programs;
* Being locally-driven, flexible, and responsive;
* Identifying and supporting high priority statewide programming thrusts;
* Educating people to solve problems, make decisions, and embrace change;
* Applying knowledge and research-based information;
* Accomplishing work through collaboration, volunteerism, and leadership development;
* Fostering an empowered and contributing people;
* Developing youth, adults, families, and communities;
* Fostering effective lifelong use of personal and natural resources
http://ces.ca.uky.edu/jefferson/WhatisC ... eExtension
I know of a few folks who have gone with the extension service to find an area to produce and then help marketing jam and honey products. I am in more rural area and alot of folks make use of the extension service for all kinds of issues. I use them for the horticulture and agriculture resources. The also have, for lack of a better term,a home economics type division that teaches canning,preserving,baking and much more. Our area extension hosted a Puerto Rican lady last year to teach some of her traditional cooking styles. Most AG agents will be familiar with farmers markets and the requirements for selling and producing food products for markets. They can in some cases even assist you getting into farmers markets. And dont forget to look into the churches. Most of the larger ones have a certified kitchen. I know of other market vendors that work through a church kitchen to bring their product to compliance. And as far as Bardstown rd market goes..have you already been accepted? Thats a difficult market to get into.
