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