These sites offer examples of Missouri ag entrepreneurship at work and the value-chain relationship, plus timely tips and resources for managing a successful value-added enterprise.
www.aginnovationcenter.org
The Agriculture Innovation Center provides information, training and direct assistance to Missouri’s agricultural producers. It is housed at the Missouri Department of Agriculture. The center’s Web site is constantly updated with the latest news, events and resources on value-added agriculture.
From idea to implementation
In addition to helping farmers produce, market, and process their commodities in new and profitable ways, the MDA-AIC staff works with value-added agriculture professionals across the state and nation.
Its strategy is simple:
Focus on what it takes to create successful agribusinesses: the right market opportunity, a good market feasibility study, a thorough business plan which addresses all the risk factors, and the ability to implement.
Partner with organizations that can add value to our customers’ business start-up and expansion efforts.
Build linkages to specialized expertise, such as the lending, legal, and consulting communities.
The Agriculture Innovation Center’s business assistance complements other MDA programs, including the Missouri Ag and Small Business Development Authority, the Market Development Division, the
Sustainable Agriculture program, and the Missouri Meat and Poultry Inspection Program. To better serve clients, The center also has strategic partnerships with a number of organizations, including the Missouri Value Added Development Center, Missouri Department of Economic Development, University of Missouri Extension, Missouri Small Business Development Centers, and the Thomas Hill Enterprise Center.
www.valueadded.missouri.edu
The Missouri Value-Added Development Center offers a user-friendly, on-line office of information related to the development and sustainability of value-added agricultural ventures in Missouri. The center, directed by University of Missouri ag economist Joe Parcell, offers a look at innovative ways of enhancing producer profitability and simultaneously maintaining the agricultural base for sustaining rural communities.
MU’s value-added effort is focused on assisting ag producers in capturing a greater portion of the end-user value of food, fiber, and fuel products, as well as supporting the rural economy.
To effectively assist agricultural producers and agribusinesses in coordinating and capturing value from the agriculture supply chain the Value Added Development Center has established three objectives: (1) provide extension educators decision support tools with which to assist agriculture producers in the formation and operation of collective entrepreneurship businesses, (2) develop a mechanism for linking campus research and extension activities related to value added agriculture, and (3) provide support and strategic planning input to function business units.
For more information, call 1-877-ValuAdd (825-8233); or visit
www.valueadded.missouri.edu, or http://agebb.missouri.edu.
Other recommended resources:
Ag Business Development Division
Missouri Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box 630
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Toll free 1-866-466-8283
www.mda.state.mo.us
The MDA’s Ag Business Development division provides information, training, and one-on-one assistance to Missouri’s ag producers. Its primary objective is to help farmers enhance farm profitability by building successful businesses and promoting Missouri agriculture through the AgriMissouri brand. The staff works with ag professionals and consultants across the nation.
www.attra.org
This Web site features the latest in sustainable agriculture and organic farming news, events and funding opportunities. It also offers in-depth publications on production practices, alternative crop and livestock enterprises, innovative marketing, and organic certification, plus highlights of local, regional, USDA and other federal sustainable ag activities.