short talk to community leaders in Adrian, MI on economic development. A knowledge based economy depends on talented people. Attracting talented people requires amenities in a community. Small farms, with direct marketing is one amenity that may attract talented people to an area.

1. Frank Gublo Michigan State University Product Center Lenawee Lunch and Learn Series January 29, 2010 Farming in the New Economy

2. Characteristics of the New Economy Talented people (knowledge workers) are the basis of the new economy Talented people create jobs Talented people seek places that offer quality of life and amenities Successful communities attract talented, knowledge workers Farming and food are a part of a strategy to attract talented people

3. Select Characteristics of A Viable Farm Farmer attitude and interest are important. Education increases viability. Innovative farmers and processors are more viable. Farmers who direct market and utilize frontier marketing techniques are more profitable. Farmers who are involved politically and with neighbors are more successful. Dr. SojiAdelaja, Agricultural Viability at the Urban Fringe, Atlanta, GA, March 15, 2005

4. Two StrategiesOne Goal-Viable Farms

5. Differentiation of Farm Products is Essential for New Economy Farmers Differentiation is one of the most important strategic and tactical activities that, companies must engage. It is not discretionary There is no such thing as a commodity, only people who act and think like commodities Historically companies that have taken a commodity path, even when they have driven their costs deeply down, have become extinct . --Ted Levitt, Thinking about Management Harvard Business School

6. Consumer Food Trends Offer Opportunities for Hometown New Economy Farmers Community Supported Agriculture, road-side stands, and Farmers Markets are considered “chic” Food Vetting-where does your food come from? Sustainable defined-hometown or nearby Back to basic Ingredients and cooking from scratch Celebrity Farmers Source: The Food Channel, www.foodchannel.com Photo: Richard “Cousin Don” Hobson Source, MIFFS

7. A look at a New Economy Farmer and Her Interaction With the Community

8. New Economy Farmers Create a Sense of Place They make hometown, nearby and local food “real.” Farmers Markets and CSA are places where the community can gather. Provide some of the amenities that other talented, knowledge based people expect

9. What Can We Do to Encourage and Support New Economy Farmers Invite to the table for discussion Support their continued education through Extension and others Help to find capital Encourage and celebrate their innovation Provide resources when possible (FSEP)

10. Frank Gublo Slides at: www.frgublo.wordpress.com Contact me at: MSU Extension-Washtenaw 705 N. Zeeb Road Ann Arbor, MI 48107 313-401-6283 gublofra@msu.edu www.facebook.com/gublo