3 14-2011 usda outreach conference
TRANSCRIPT
USDA Outreach ConferenceMarch 14, 2011
USDA Programs have impacted our Community
The Highland Center
Catalyst for Community and Economic Development
We’re all about creating bringing people together and making projects happen!
USDA involvement since 1998
Projects USDA has supported
1998 – 1st Program – Farmers’ MarketRBEG
Commercial (shared-use) KitchenRBEG
Lamb & Wool Feasibility Study 2003 Value-Added Producer Grant
Shiny New Roof Community Facilities grant
Incredible Pavilion for Farmers’ MarketRBEG
Day of our Pavilion Dedication – July 2007
Alleghany Highlands Agricultural Center
Alleghany Highlands Agricultural Center - Supporting our farming communities
Project History
Genesis of project was a USDA Value-Added Producer Grant Feasibility Study by Mad Maggie Farm - 2004
Highland-Bath Cattle Association Highland County Sheep and Wool Producers Association
• Steering Committee formed consisting of representatives from The Highland Center, Virginia Cooperative Extension (Highland-Bath), and local agricultural producer organizations
February 2006 Producer Meeting - Food and Livestock Planning, Inc. Presentation
Expanding Opportunities for our Farming Communities
USDA Inspected Slaughter and Processing Custom cuts for sale directly to consumers For home consumption
Value Added Capabilities•Custom slaughter & hang time•Boning•Portion Cuts•Grinding•Further Processing
– Jerky– Sausage– Smoking
Expanding Opportunities for our Farming Communities (cont’d)
Processing of Deer for Hunters
Assistance with Live Animal Marketing
Space for Agricultural Community Meetings and Training
Alleghany Highlands Agricultural Center business philosophy: Provide dependable local service to farmers and helping connect them to consumers
Alleghany Highlands Agricultural CenterRural Economic Development Loan Fund
Alleghany Highlands Agricultural Center - Supporting our farming communities
Construct Building
• ACS Design hired to develop site plan/Architectural Design Services to design facility
• $40,000 grant from Virginia Foundation for Agricultural Innovation & Rural Sustainability (FAIRS) to assist engineering/design and legal costs
FOR OUR REGIONFormed LLC
•$1 million private placement investment drive•200 shares•93 investors from 6 different states
Economic Impact for our Community • $1.5 million project investment serving 2 states – Virginia & West Virginia
4 counties – Bath, Highland, Pendleton and Pocahontas
• Ag Center project will create 4-5 jobs paying livable wages
•Creates new marketing opportunities for our agricultural producer!