Agriculture
Feasibility Studies
Deep Root. 2005 – 2006. Yellow Wood Associates conducted market research with current buyers, supermarket chains, food coops and natural food stores, institutions, wholesalers/distributors, and organic processors to learn about the market for organic produce at these establishments. Yellow Wood also reviewed Deep Root operations.
Vermont Soy. January – June 2005. Yellow Wood conducted research to analyze the potential market for organic soymilk produced in Vermont from soybeans grown locally. Yellow Wood researched soy beverage trends, surveyed other soymilk producers, and interviewed potential buyers including distributors, supermarkets, food cooperative and natural food stores, colleges and universities, and restaurants. Yellow Wood also analyzed the economic feasibility of soybean production in Vermont.
Dairy Processing Task Force. December – May 2005. Worked with the Frederick County Dairy Processing
Task Force to determine the feasibility of a venture focused on selling Maryland dairy products to Maryland
consumers. Work included trend analysis of dairy consumption, regional demand analysis, regional production
capacity assessment, market research, best practices research, detailed description of options for design
and construction of a state-of-the-art dairy processing facility, and preliminary financial estimates.
Contact: Colby Ferguson, Business Development Specialist, Agriculture, Frederick County, Maryland Office of
Economic Development, 5340 Spectrum Drive, Suite A, Frederick, MD 21703, 301-631-3037, Cferguson@fredco-md.net.
"Obtaining Yellow Wood Associates services proved to be the right choice for this
project. The professionalism, quality of work and efficiency was second to none. Even though there is
a substantial distance between Vermont and Maryland, Yellow Wood did an outstanding job gathering all
the necessary information needed to make this a viable feasibility study. The information was sent on
time and the project was finished on the proposed finish date. Thanks again for providing us with such
outstanding work."
-Colby Ferguson, Business Development Specialist for Agriculture for the Frederick
County Office of Economic Development
HomeGrown Wisconsin. February – July 2004. Working with HomeGrown Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin
Center for Cooperatives and other participants to study the feasibility of an agriculture/food facility for downtown
Madison that would include an indoor farmers’ market, a storage, processing, and distribution facility, and office
space for agriculture groups. Focus includes retail and institutional markets. Contact: Anne Reynolds, University
of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives, 427 Lorch St. , 230 Taylor Hall, Madison , WI , 53706-1503 , 608-262-3251,
Reynolds@aae.wisc.edu.
Feasibility Study for a Shared-Use Kitchen Incubator. August 2002 - March 2003. Yellow Wood assessed
the feasibility of developing a shared-use kitchen incubator in southern New York and northern Pennsylvania .
Yellow Wood worked with project partners to develop goals for the proposed facility, conduct a market analysis,
research existing facilities, and perform a survey of potential users. Provided preliminary recommendations
regarding facility design, equipment, organizational structure, and management and staffing. Contact Dick
McCormick, Southern Tier East Regional Planning & Development Board, 375 State Street , Binghamton , NY 13901,
(607) 724-1327 x210.
"I want to take this opportunity to commend you and your staff for the excellent
job you did for us in undertaking and preparing the Preliminary Feasibility Study for a Commercial
Shared-Use Kitchen Facility in Tioga County, which you completed in April of 2003. We were very pleased
with your overall strategy in developing the study and your cooperation with our office and other partners
on the project during its implementation.
Richard E. McCormick, Deputy Director, Southern Tier East Regional Planning
Development Board.
Union County Feasibility Study of Value-Added Dairy Products– Phase II. February - June 2000. In the
second phase of our work with the Agriculture Committee of the Union County Chamber of Commerce, Yellow Wood
conducted a survey of independently owned food stores for a six-county region in Central Pennsylvania to determine
proprietors’ interests in working with local farmers to market value-added dairy products. Results were used by
a newly formed cooperative of local dairy farmers to develop a marketing strategy. Contact Joe Detelj, Executive
Director, Union County Industrial Development Corporation, 219 D Hafer Road , Lewisburg , PA 17837 , (570) 524-2815.
Union County Feasibility Study of Value-Added Dairy Products- Phase I. April - December 1999. Prepared
marketing feasibility study for value-added dairy products for the Union County Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce.
The study included a targeted literature review, demographic analysis, identification of market opportunities,
and telephone surveys with potential buyers to determine key characteristics of demand. Contact Joe Detelj,
Executive Director, Union County Industrial Development Corporation, 219D Hafer Road , Lewisburg , PA 17837 ,
(570) 527-2815.
Burlington Public Market. September 1998 - January 1999. The Burlington Public Market Steering
Committee retained the services of Yellow Wood to explore the feasibility of developing a year-round, indoor
public market in Burlington , VT. YWA identified and surveyed Vermont producers to determine their interest
in and capacity for selling at a year-round public market, and suggested several options for structuring the
organization of the market, keeping in mind the Committee’s guiding principles of accessibility, affordability,
diversity, sustainability, and citizen participation. Contact Amy Demetrowitz, Project Developer, Burlington
Community Land Trust, PO Box 523 , 179 So. Winooski Ave , Burlington , VT 05402 , (802) 862-6244.
Pilot Computerized Database of Alternative Crops. April - September 1998. Prepared a computerized
database of alternative crops as a pilot initiative with Cornell Cooperative Extension. The pilot was presented
at a “What Works!” Conference at the University of Vermont . Contact David Gross, Cornell Cooperative Extension,
112 Fernow Hall, Ithaca , NY 14853 (607) 255-2237.
Chenango County Feasibility Study of Value-Added Uses for Milk. December 1997 - July 1998. Yellow Wood
worked with the Agricultural Development Council of Chenango County, New York to assess the feasibility of
establishing a milk-based, value-added manufacturing enterprise to support the local dairy industry. Phase 1 of
the research identified all possible uses for bovine and alternative dairy animal milk in food and beverages,
pharmaceuticals, nutriceuticals, cosmetics, and nonfood industrial applications. Phase 1 also provided in-depth
analyses of several product lines compliant with local human and natural resources, market structure and barriers,
capital requirements, potential profitability, and availability of learning resources. Phase 2 explored alternative
approaches to assembly, production, and marketing of specialty cheeses, fluid beverages, and organic dairy products.
We defined the regulatory framework for a value-adding dairy enterprise, and reviewed potential organizational
models. Contact Keith Severson, Cornell Cooperative Extension, 99 North Broad Street , Norwich , NY 13815 ,
(607) 334-5841.
Essex County Fair Revitalization Strategy. August - December 1995. Yellow Wood worked with the Essex
County, New York Planning Department and the Essex County Fair Board to analyze the economic viability of the
Essex County Fair. Analysis included best practices at a number of fairs in terms of activities, participation
of fair goers and exhibitors, management, and profitability. The study recommended strategies for revitalization
that will help preserve the historic county fairgrounds. Contact Victor Putnam, Assistant County Planner, Essex
County Department of Community Development and Planning, PO Box 217, Elizabethtown, NY 12932, (518) 873-3685.
"We were very satisfied with the information that was obtained and the resulting report
that you presented ... I would recommend your work for anyone inquiring in the future.
-Lyn Lobdell, Essex County Fair Board Treasurer
Four State Produce Marketing Implementation - Year Two. September 1992 - November 1993. Yellow Wood
co-organized a regional wholesale produce marketing workshop for growers and buyers, developed detailed
organizational plan for New England Produce Program, and prepared guidebook for direct and traditional wholesale
marketing of produce in New England . Work has led to a “Harvest New England” marketing program for produce
wholesalers and retailers, beginning in 1995. Contact Steve Justis, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and
Markets, 116 State Street Drawer 20, Montpelier , VT 05620-2901, (802) 828-3827 or Robert Pelligrino,
Connecticut Department of Agriculture, 165 Capitol Ave. , Hartford, CT 06106, (203) 566-3671.
"The Workshop was a huge success for me. You MC'ed the proceedings professionally.
Great Job!"
-Charles Leitch, Produce Grower
Four State Produce Marketing Study - Year One. September 1991 - August 1992. Yellow Wood identified
the potential for regional wholesale marketing of locally grown produce in the Connecticut River Valley
including Vermont , New Hampshire , Massachusetts and Connecticut . Funding was received through a Federal/State
Market Improvement Project grant. The study included producer groups and key buyers to determine most feasible
and profitable alternatives for local growers. Contact Steve Justis, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, 116 State
Street Drawer 20, Montpelier, VT 05620-2901, (802) 828-3827 or Robert Pelligrino, Connecticut Department of
Agriculture, 165 Capitol Ave., Hartford, CT 06106, (203) 566-3671.
Hay Marketing Cooperative Feasibility Study. June 1992 - February 1993. Yellow Wood performed market
research and a producer survey to determine the feasibility of starting a hay marketing cooperative in central
Vermont with input from an advisory group of farmers. Results included preparation of cooperative business plan
and a public presentation. The study was funded by the Vermont Agency of Development and Community Affairs in
cooperation with the Vermont Department of Agriculture. Contact David Lane, Vermont Department of Agriculture
Food & Markets, 116 State Street Drawer 20, Montpelier , VT 05620 , (802) 828-2416.
Market Research for Holstein Beef. May - December 1992. Yellow Wood conducted market research to
determine demand and production requirements for Holstein beef at various stages of production, from birth to
finish weight. The study involved integration of production and marketing information, and close cooperation
with an advisory committee. Funded by the Vermont Agency of Development and Community Affairs in cooperation
with the Vermont Department of Agriculture. Contact David Lane, Vermont Department of Agriculture Food & Markets,
116 State Street Drawer 20, Montpelier , VT 05620 , (802) 828-2416.
Cash Crop Feasibility Study. January - December 1987. Yellow Wood prepared a detailed feasibility
study for production and intra-regional marketing of fresh fruits and vegetables in a six-county region of
Northern New York for the Town of Champlain Local Economic Development Corporation. Work included surveys of
buyers and growers, detailed regional market price analysis, consumption analysis, development of a strategy
and recommendations. Work resulted in funding for the establishment of North Country Food First, a non-profit
organization, to implement the recommendations of this study. Contact Mark Barie, President, Cross Border
Development Corporation, 158 Lake Street , Rouses Point , NY 12979, (518) 561-0232.
Facilitation
Burlington Public Market Farmer Coop Development. January - August 2000. On behalf of the Burlington
Community Land Trust, Yellow Wood worked with potential vendors of the Burlington Public Market to explore
cooperative marketing arrangements. Yellow Wood helped determine which groups would be most ready to participate
in the market on opening day, along with the information and support services they would need. Contact Amy
Demetrowitz, Project Developer, Burlington Community Land Trust, PO Box 523 , 179 So. Winooski Ave, Burlington,
VT 05402, (802) 862-6244.
St. Lawrence County, New York. August - October 1999. Yellow Wood designed, facilitated and transcribed
the results of a one-day visioning workshop as part of the St. Lawrence County Agriculture and Farmland Protection
Planning process. Contact Jason Pfotenhauer, Deputy Director, St. Lawrence County Planning Office, 48 Court Street,
Canton , NY 13617, (315) 379-2292.
Connecticut River Valley: Opening New Markets for Agriculture. September 1993 - January 1994. Yellow Wood
worked with the Connecticut River Joint Commissions of New Hampshire to plan a conference for growers, buyers and
others interested. Results included a written summary of agricultural production and marketing trends in the
Connecticut River Valley , an exploration of options for financing and marketing agricultural production, and
an annotated bibliography of source material on agricultural cooperatives. Yellow Wood facilitated contact
between Connecticut River Valley growers and buyers in other states, identified speakers and moderated a
workshop session on agri-tourism. Contact Sharon Francis, Connecticut River Joint Commissions, PO Box 1182,
Charlestown, NH 03603, (603) 826-4800.
North Country Food First. July 1990 - October 1991. Potsdam College retained Yellow Wood as a technical
consultant to the North Country Food First program. Yellow Wood prepared a quarterly newsletter, assisted in
workshop development for buyers and growers, presented an informational workshop on forming a storage and
distribution cooperative, and organized a region-wide tasting event. Contact Mark Barie, President, Cross Border
Development Corporation, 158 Lake Street , Rouses Point , NY 12979, (518) 561-0232.
"Just read the (North Country Food First) newsletter -- Great Job! Fantastic!
-Mark L. Barie, President Champlain Development Corporation
Strategic Planning
Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NESARE) Program Outcome Funding. January 2000. Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. worked with NESARE in piloting an outcome-funding approach to grantmaking. The work included two year’s participation in the design process, proposal reviews, interviews with potential grantees, committee work to select grantees, and process documentation.
Vermont Department of Agriculture Strategic Plan for Marketing Development. 1999. A three-phase strategic planning process with the Agriculture Development Division of the
Vermont Department of Agriculture, Food and Markets, Yellow Wood worked with industry groups, staff and
legislators. Contact Louise Calderwood, Deputy Commissioner, Agriculture Development Division of the
Vermont Department of Agriculture Food & Markets, 116 State Street Drawer 20, Montpelier , VT 05620 ,
(802) 828-2430.
Chenango County Natural Resource-Based Economic Assessment. September 1995 - April 1996. Yellow Wood
worked with Planning/Environmental Research Consultants of Ithaca, New York to profile and assess the
actual and potential contributions of agriculture and forestry to the economy of Chenango County. Research
focused on the current situation and future potential of the County’s dairy industry. This work was integral
for preparation of the Chenango County Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan. Contact Thomas Niederkorn,
Planning/Environmental Research Consultants, 310 West State Street, Ithaca, NY 14850, (607) 272-2201.
"I found the information and recommendations to be informative, realistic and
visionary. Yellow Wood Associates’ work confirms the value of a strong economic development initiative
that builds upon the existing agricultural and related land based activities and resources in Chenango
County. Thanks for providing our community with an interesting and exciting road map that offers
possibilities, hope and information essential for our future.
-Jack Salo, Opportunities for Chenango, Inc.
Essex County Strategic Farmland Protection Plan. June 1995 - January 1996. Yellow Wood worked with
the Essex County Farmland Protection Board to develop a plan for farmland protection based on a strategic
analysis of opportunities to strengthen agriculture in Essex County. Work included a survey of farmers and
farmland owners, economic and demographic research, visioning sessions and focus groups, and preparation of
a strategic plan, including spatial analysis and geographic displays. Yellow Wood led a team including the
Farming Alternatives Program of Cornell University and R.J. Turner Company of Vermont. Contact Anita Deming,
Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Essex County, 3 Sisco Street, PO Box 388, Westport, NY 12993,
(518) 962-4810.
"I like the final product. You ran good meetings. They were well prepared and
the right people were there. The work was done on time.
-Bernard Leerkes, Farmer and Member of the Essex County Farmland Protection Board
Southampton Natural Resource-Based Economic Assessment. July 1994 - December 1995. Yellow Wood
worked with Land Ethics, Inc. of Washington , D.C. to analyze existing agricultural and fisheries resources
and develop recommendations for fostering an economical and environmentally viable climate for the natural
resource-based economy of Southampton , New York. This work was part of a comprehensive planning process
for Southampton. Contact Elizabeth Brabec, President, Land Ethics, 1400 16th Street NW, Suite 300, Washington,
DC 20036, (202) 939-3410.
Harlem Valley Agricultural Diversification. December 1989 - October 1990. Yellow Wood worked with
the Harlem Valley Planning Partnership to explore alternatives to diversify and strengthen the agricultural
base of the Harlem Valley in Dutchess County, New York. The work emphasized developing direct market potential,
exploring alternative crops, value-adding opportunities, and identifying gaps in service provision to farmers in
the Valley. Contact Michael Hagerty, Harlem Valley Planing Partnership, PO Box 680, Dover Plains, NY 12522 ,
(845) 877-3738.
"The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Dutchess County is preparing a job description
for an Extension Agent who will focus on marketing agriculture. This is a direct result of recommendations
by Yellow Wood Associates and should produce a proactive marketing plan for alternative agriculture.
-Samuel Busselle, Harlem Valley Planning Partnership
Service
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program – NESARE. 1996 – 2000.[Shanna Ratner] Served
a three-year term on the Administrative Council of the Northeast Region’s Sustainable Agriculture Research
and Education Program. Contact Fred Magdoff, Regional Coordinator, Northeast Regional SARE, Hill Building,
105 Carrigan Drive, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405-0082, (802) 656-0472.
Evaluation
Expanding Sustainable and Community-based Food Systems Project Evaluation. March 2008 – September 2009.
Yellow Wood Associates is evaluating the second half of the Wallace Center's Expanding Sustainable and
Community-based Food Systems project funded by the Kellogg Foundation. The multi-faceted project includes
regranting to four organizations involved in food systems work, forming a "good food" value chain network,
convening the annual FAS conference, developing indicators of "good food" and more. The evaluation is geared
to interactive learning as well as outcomes. Contact John Fisk, Director, Wallace Center, Winrock International,
1621 North Kent St., Suite 1200, Arlington, VA 22209-2134, (703) 879-6556.
NESARE. 2006 - 2007. Yellow Wood evaluated the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program and its work helping advance farming systems that are profitable, environmentally sound and good for communities through a nationwide research and education grants program. Several years ago, the Northeast region of SARE decided to start using an outcome funding approach to grantmaking, which involves setting goals, creating performance targets and milestones to achieve specific outcomes. Yellow Wood studied all projects funded by NESARE since outcome funding began to determine the success of the projects as well as the success of the outcome funding approach.