The document discusses opportunities for specialty crop production in local food systems. It notes that local food systems aim to connect producers and consumers within the same geographic region to develop more self-reliant food networks that benefit health, the environment, and local economies. While most of Kansas' food system is limited to tier 1, some areas have tier 2 local food systems but there are barriers to entry. The document outlines various direct-to-consumer marketing options for farmers to capture premium prices, such as farmers markets, CSAs, roadside stands, u-pick, and special events. It emphasizes the importance of learning more by joining local producer communities.

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Opportunities in Specialty Crop Production
Marlin A. Bates
Director, K-State Research and Extension
Douglas County
Local Food System – by definition
• A system aimed at connecting food producers and consumers
in the same geographic region
• in order to develop more self-reliant and resilient food networks, improve
local economies
• for health, environmental, community, or social impact in a particular place

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Why Local Food Systems Work Matters
Growing Consumer Interest in Food Provenance
=
Increased per Acre Returns for Farmers
0
20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
120,000
140,000
160,000
180,000
1920 2012
FARMS IN KANSAS
Total # of Farms # of Farms Producing Fruits & Vegetables

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Tiers of the Food System
Where Local Food Fits
• In most of Kansas, Local Food is
limited to Tier 1 of the food
system
• Few examples of Tier 2 Local
Food – Where it does exist, there
are often considerable barriers to
entry

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Where Farmers Are Selling
Direct-to-Consumer Marketing Options
Increasing Revenue by Capturing Premium Prices

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Direct-to-Consumer Marketing Options
Farmers Markets

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Direct-to-Consumer Marketing Options
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

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Direct-to-Consumer Marketing Options
Roadside Stand/On-Farm Store
Direct-to-Consumer Marketing Options
U-Pick

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Direct-to-Consumer Marketing Options
Special Events

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Kaw Valley Farm Tour
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
1800
Poor Okay Good Great Excellent
Exit Surveys at Farms (Participant Experience)

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Intermediated Sales Avenues
Moving larger quantities quickly

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Adding Value
Moving from fresh product to value-added

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Learning More
Joining the community of producers who
contribute to local food system

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Growing Lawrence – Meeting Topics
2016 Growing Lawrence Meeting Schedule
January 20 – Winter Social and Annual Meeting – Hank Charcuterie 5:30 PM
February 3 – Concerns and Obstacles for 2016 – Extension Office 7:00 AM
March 2 – Update on Regional Food Hub – Extension Office 7:00 AM
April 6 – High Tunnel/Greenhouse Production – Pendleton’s Country Market 6:30 PM
May 4 – Legal Issues on the Farm – Extension Office 7:00 AM
June 1 – Equipment for Vegetable Production – Juniper Hill Farms 7:30 PM
July 6 – Vineyard Tour/Grape Production – Kugler’s Vineyard 7:30 PM
August 3 – Farm Assistance Programs – Extension Office 7:00 AM
September 7 – Tree Fruit Production – South Baldwin Farms 6:30 PM
October 5 – Mushroom Production – Wakarusa Valley Farm 6:00 PM
November 2 – Maximizing Markets – Extension Office 7:00 AM
December 7 – Cooperative Purchasing Opportunities – Extension Office 7:00 AM

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In Summary
• There may be numerous reasons to consider entering into the
specialty crop arena.
– Profit potential, Bring back the next generation, Satisfy increasing
demand, Increase regional food security, etc.
• While there are many cropping options, there are also a
handful of marketing options to consider.
• For those with little experience, there is a relatively steep
learning curve, so find the support that you need early on.

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Thank You
Marlin A. Bates
Director, K-State Research and Extension
Douglas County