FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, August 9, 2011
CONTACT:
Margaret Hart, Communications Coordinator
651-201-6131, Margaret.hart@state.mn.us
Online tool helps farmers consider new enterprises
ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has re-issued its 12-page Agriculture Diversification Compass, and is making the tool available to Minnesotans free of charge both online and in print. The guide is designed to help producers evaluate the potential of new crop and livestock enterprises they may be considering for their farm.
MDA Diversification Specialist Meg Moynihan says new or expanded enterprises are likely to have a different set of financial, marketing, management, and policy options than growers have experienced with their existing operation.
“We hear from many farmers of all ages who want to diversify their operations,” said Moynihan. “We designed this guide to provide a simple systematic way for producers to consider how new opportunities would fit their personal goals, production and management skills, land and facilities, and economic expectations.”
Moynihan says the compass is not intended as a substitute for a detailed feasibility study or a business plan but rather a starting point for farmers to focus on a few promising options and determine whether they should pursue them.
The Compass is online at http://www.mda.state.mn.us/protecting/sustainable/mfo/mfocompass.aspx or a printed copy can be requested by calling 651-201-6012.
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