FOSTERING A PRODUCER ASSOCIATION'S GROWTH WITH GRANT FUNDING
Extension Education
James Quinn
FIELD SPECIALIST IN HORTICULTURE
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI EXTENSION
JEFFERSON CITY
Abstract
\r\n Missouri Vegetable Growers Association (MVGA) experienced a boon in membership growth the past four years. Key to this growth were grants awarded in three of those four years funding a range of outreach activities. The first grant submitted requested $2700 for a project titled ‘Partnering with MVGA to Sponsor Farm Tours Featuring Best Management Practices’. It was funded for activities in 2007 by University of Missouri Extension’s Plant Protection Program. Then in 2009 MVGA received funding for a project submitted to Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crops Program (MDA-SC) for $4430. The title was ‘Growing Missouri’s Vegetable Industry Using Statewide On Farm Education’. For 2010 and 2011, MVGA received $38,181 for a project titled ‘Positioning MVGA to Lead the Industry in Growth and Competitiveness’ from MDA-SC. MU Extension was a consistent project partner. For 2007 and 2009 farm tours were the primary outreach activities, with five and eight conducted, respectively. Total attendance was 242 in 2007 and 566 in 2009. Membership doubled from sixty to over 120 in 2007; for 2009 the increase was from 160 to 237. Project activities for 2010 & 2011 were expanded to include provide publications as an incentive to join the association, improve electronic communications capabilities, explore alliances with related specialty crop groups, and offer leadership training to the association officers and directors to enhance their skills. Membership increased to 345 in 2010 and farm tours remained popular with 335 attending 5 tours.
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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: J.T. Quinn
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Quinn, J. Regional Horticulture Specialist (Central), University of Missouri Extension, Missouri, 65101