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Agriculture
Feasibility Studies
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.
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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
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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. YWA assessed the feasibility of developing a
shared-use kitchen incubator in southern
New York
and northern
Pennsylvania
. YWA 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.
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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.
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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, YWA 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 YWA 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. YWA 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. YWA 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.
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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
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Four
State Produce Marketing Implementation - Year Two.
September
1992 - November
1993. YWA 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.
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"The
Workshop was a huge success for me. You
MC'ed the proceedings professionally. Great
Job!"
-Charles Leitch, Produce Grower
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Four
State Produce Marketing Study - Year One.
September 1991 -
August 1992. YWA 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. YWA 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. YWA 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. YWA 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, YWA worked with potential vendors of the Burlington Public
Market to explore cooperative marketing arrangements.
YWA 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. YWA
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. YWA 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.
YWA 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 YWA as a technical consultant to the
North Country Food First program. YWA 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.
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Just
read the (North Country Food First) newsletter
-- Great Job! Fantastic!
-Mark L. Barie, President Champlain
Development Corporation |
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Strategic
Planning
1999. A
three-phase strategic planning process with the Agriculture Development Division
of the Vermont Department of Agriculture, Food and Markets, YWA 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. YWA 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.
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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.
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Essex
County
Strategic Farmland Protection Plan.
June
1995 - January
1996.
YWA 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.
YWA 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.
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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
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Southampton
Natural Resource-Based Economic Assessment.
July
1994 - December
1995. YWA 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. YWA 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.
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