Click here to load reader
Upload
frank-gublo
View
1.220
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
short talk to community leaders in Adrian, MI on economic development. A knowledge based economy depends on talented people. Attracting talented people requires amenities in a community. Small farms, with direct marketing is one amenity that may attract talented people to an area.
Citation preview
1. Frank Gublo
Michigan State University Product Center
Lenawee Lunch and Learn Series
January 29, 2010
Farming in the New Economy
2. Characteristics of the New Economy
Talented people (knowledge workers) are the basis of the new
economy
Talented people create jobs
Talented people seek places that offer quality of life and
amenities
Successful communities attract talented, knowledge workers
Farming and food are a part of a strategy to attract talented
people
3. Select Characteristics of A Viable Farm
Farmer attitude and interest are important.
Education increases viability.
Innovative farmers and processors are more viable.
Farmers who direct market and utilize frontier marketing techniques
are more profitable.
Farmers who are involved politically and with neighbors are more
successful.
Dr. SojiAdelaja, Agricultural Viability at the Urban Fringe,
Atlanta, GA, March 15, 2005
4. Two StrategiesOne Goal-Viable Farms
5. Differentiation of Farm Products is Essential for New Economy
Farmers
Differentiation is one of the most important strategic and tactical
activities that, companies must engage. It is not
discretionary
There is no such thing as a commodity, only people who act and
think like commodities
Historically companies that have taken a commodity path, even when
they have driven their costs deeply down, have become extinct
.
--Ted Levitt, Thinking about Management
Harvard Business School
6. Consumer Food Trends Offer Opportunities for Hometown New
Economy Farmers
Community Supported Agriculture, road-side stands, and Farmers
Markets are considered chic
Food Vetting-where does your food come from?
Sustainable defined-hometown or nearby
Back to basic Ingredients and cooking from scratch
Celebrity Farmers
Source: The Food Channel, www.foodchannel.com
Photo: Richard Cousin Don Hobson
Source, MIFFS
7. A look at a New Economy Farmer and Her Interaction With the
Community
8. New Economy Farmers Create a Sense of Place
They make hometown, nearby and local food real.
Farmers Markets and CSA are places where the community can
gather.
Provide some of the amenities that other talented, knowledge based
people expect
9. What Can We Do to Encourage and Support New Economy
Farmers
Invite to the table for discussion
Support their continued education through Extension and
others
Help to find capital
Encourage and celebrate their innovation
Provide resources when possible (FSEP)
10. Frank Gublo
Slides at: www.frgublo.wordpress.com
Contact me at:
MSU Extension-Washtenaw
705 N. Zeeb Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48107
313-401-6283
[email protected]
www.facebook.com/gublo