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Through this project, UConn Extension and its collaborators at The Last Green Valley and Resources, Conservation & Development, Inc. aim to increase sales and customers for direct-market producers in 23 rural towns of Northeastern Connecticut and increase consumption of locally grown food. The project delivers community presentations and outreach activities to increase the number of residents who are informed about why, how, and where to buy local products. They also improve the marketing reach of direct-market producers by publishing new materials about fresh, local food and marketing training for farmers. The project’s approach is rooted in UConn Extension’s capacity to deliver outreach and facilitate collaboration, the expertise of a professional marketing agency, the regional know-how of critical collaborators, vibrant social media and branding, and the active contributions of a 9- 9-member Farmer Advisory Team. Over three years, the project expects to increase direct market producer sales, increase customers, and expand market opportunities for 130+ direct market producers and 13 farmers markets in the region.

Contact: Jiff Martin

Email: jiff.martin@uconn.edu

Keywords: northeastern Connecticut, local food, direct-to-consumer, marketing, agriculture, rural, environment

Website: https://www.grownconnected.org/

Community Partners: The Last Green Valley; Resources, Conservation & Development, Inc.

Grant Funded Agency: USDA-AMS

Scope: In-State