WV Farm Bureau Magazine May 2014 | Page 23

The New Appalachian Farm and Research Center seeks Input from West Virginia Farmers and Farm Families The New Appalachian Farm & Research Center (NAFRC) is examining producers’ interest in farm expansion and the feasibility of siting regional food hubs here in West Virginia. NAFRC, with the assistance of Downstream Strategies, is conducting a study to assess the feasibility and propose location(s) for creating regional food hubs in West Virginia. A food hub is a business or organization that actively manages the aggregation, distribution and marketing of food products sourced locally and regionally for the purpose of satisfying larger buyers such as schools, grocery, and retail outlets. producer directory for buyers in West Virginia. This information will be separate from your survey answers and will include your contact, location, certifications, and product information only.This project will connect farms with more buyers and customers who demand the high quality products West Virginia farmers produce. If you have any questions contact: Rob. [email protected], [phone] or check out www.newappalachian.org for more information. “The absence of regional local food hubs is a major barrier to agricultural growth in West Virginia,” says Rob Hinton of NAFRC. “Food hubs can address many of the challenges that West Virginia producers face and can provide more sales outlets to new and existing farms.” NAFRC is seeking input from West Virginia farmers and farm families about their interest and challenges in expanding their farm operations. With their help, the New Appalachian Farm and Research Center and its partners will be able to collect critical information and guidance from state producers to help identify the best locations for these added markets and how to support increased production. If you are a producer who is interested in growing more products or if you know producers who may be interested, please sign up to fill out the producer survey at the following link: http:// goo.gl/nE4229. The information that you share can be completely confidential if you prefer. The survey will be administered later in the spring by the NARFRC with assistance from Downstream Strategies. Participants will receive a $10 thank you gift card for completed surveys. Farms that sign up also have the option to be listed in a BX70 Series B50 Series ZG100 Kommander Series M60 Series One yard or 100 acres. BX70 Series • B50 Series• ZG100 Kommander Series • M60 Series Over 40 years ago, Kubota introduced the compact tractor to America. The rest, as they say, is history. Today, we’re proud to unveil the newest members of the Kubota family. As always, we offer our best in quality, innovation and value. Thompson’s 4586 Freedom Highway Worthington, WV 26591 304-287-2125 www.thompsonswv.com www.kubota.com Optional equipment may be shown. ©Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2013 West Virginia Farm Bureau News 23