Dear Friend:
I am a Master s student doing sustainable agriculture research on
locally and farmer-owned enterprises that are involved in value-added
agricultural production, processing and marketing throughout the United
States. I am writing to you to ask for examples of these types of efforts,
enterprises or informational resources in your area. I obtained your
e-mail address from the Sustainable Agriculture Directory of Expertise
published by SARE.
In addition to my own research, I am helping the Community Farm
Alliance develop a support system for cooperative value-added enterprises
here in Kentucky where tobacco dependence has sustained the rural economy,
but is now in trouble.
I would greatly appreciate any contacts you might have, any suggestions
for directly connecting with individuals, groups, or institutions with
experience in the various phases of start-up, growth, and survival for
local enterprises. I am also interested in contacting groups that have
unsuccessfully attempted locally-owned value-added enterprises to learn
from their experiences as well.
Thank you, in advance, for any assistance.
Nathan Boone
c/o Community Farm Alliance
200 Short Street, #10
Berea, KY 40403
Tel: 606-986-7400
Sent: September 25, 1994 7:20 am PT