Marketing Specialists from the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, Marketing & Development Division, have spent the past two days sharing their knowledge with existing and aspiring entrepreneurs. It is very exciting to see individuals with such a passion for West Virginia's agricultural products.
Yesterday, Melissa (Hudson) Beller presented a presentation on the Specialty Crops Block Grant Program. She informed participants about how they can receive money to fund projects involving specialty crops. These projects must have a significant educational, research, outreach or program component. This is a competitive grant program and the grants are scored. Anyone interested in learning more about this program should contact Melissa Beller at mhudson@wvda.us or 304-558-2210 or Cindy Martel at cmartel@wvda.us or 304-541-9756. You can also visit the WVDA website for the complete grant manual!
I, Danielle Kisamore, presented this morning regarding GAP audits and the Organic Certification Cost Share Program. The GAP's (Good Agricultural Practices) are recommendations at the production level and beyond, and are designed to help improve the quality and safety of produce. This is becoming increasingly important to producers, as wholesalers and restaurants are requiring the Food Safety Plans. This certification requires a third party audit of your Food Safety Plan and facilities. I would highly recommend anyone interested in receiving GAP certification attend one of GAP trainings. We are hoping to schedule the next program in October 2011. Also, if you attend the training and decide to have the audit, the WVDA is requesting funding in order to reimburse our producers 50% of the cost of becoming certified. This is well worth your time!
The Organic Certification Cost Share Program reimburses 90% (75% USDA & 15% WVDA) of the cost of becoming certified. This is a non-competitive grant program. This means that the first individuals to submit the proper paperwork (your certificate, the application, invoices, DUNs number, and W-9 Form) will receive the funding. If you have been considering organic certification and have been putting it off due to cost, please consider this program. If you have questions about GAP audits or the Organic Certification Cost Share Program please feel free to contact me at dkisamore@wvda.us or 304-558-2210.
Teresa Halloran presented numerous programs during today's workshops. Teresa is the WVDA Marketing Specialist for Foods. She spoke with participants about certifications needed when starting a food business. Some of these programs included HACCP, Standard Operating Procedures, Sanitation Standards, and many more. Teresa also spoke about food emergencies. She presented information on Mock Recalls and Traceability. If you have specific questions about any of the topics listed above, please contact Teresa Halloran at thalloran@wvda.us or 304-558-2210.
Teresa then paired with Cindy Martel, Marketing Specialist, to discuss labeling requirements and marketing of products. Teresa and Cindy often work with West Virginia producers to assist them with creating their food labels, as well as listing the nutritional facts. If you have a new product and need assistance with your labels, feel free to contact one of these marketing specialists for assistance. Teresa and Cindy then spoke regarding how to market your products. They addressed potential marketing tactics, such as Direct Store Delivery, National Food Shows, and International Marketing Opportunities. Cindy is the WVDA International Marketing Specialist. Each year she travels to different countries, as well as throughout the United States, marketing West Virginia's products. This year she will going to Australia! These ladies have a lot of experience and can offer valuable assistance. Please feel free to contact them at their information listed above.
Debra Gard was the department's final presenter. Debra presented about "Unique Opportunities, Ideas, Product Placing and Sales at Special Events in West Virginia. Debra is the Marketing Specialist for Special Promotion in West Virginia. She works very closely with the fairs and festivals in the state to promote West Virginia agriculture and products. If you have any questions regarding a fair, festival, or special event or how to market your products at these events, please feel free to contact Debra at dgard@wvda.us or 304-932-7588.
All of the Marketing Specialist here at the West Virginia Department of Agriculture are anxious to help West Virginia producers better sell their product. We have a passion for agriculture and a great respect for the men and women in this industry. Please utilize our services to better market your products!
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