Project Grant 23FMPPCA1162

CUESTA COLLEGE WILL COLLABORATE WITH LOCAL ECONOMIC AND FOOD PRODUCTION STAKEHOLDERS TO PROVIDE A NEW DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER MARKET THAT SUPPORTS UNDERSERVED FARMERS AND RANCHERS AND PROVIDES EXPANDED FOOD ACCESS TO RESIDENTS. THIS PROJECTS PURPOSE IS TO ADDRESS ACCESSIBILITY TO LOCAL FOOD AND DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER FOOD SYSTEMS AND CULTIVATE REGIONAL FOOD ECONOMIES THROUGH COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS. ACTIVITIES INCLUDE A FEASIBILITY STUDY, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PLAN, AND INITIAL IMPLEMENTATION FOR A NEW FARMERS MARKET IN SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY. CUESTA COLLEGE WILL INITIATE A SUSTAINABLE, COMMUNITY-BASED ENTERPRISE WITH A TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE BENEFIT TO LOCAL PRODUCERS (WITH ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR UNDERREPRESENTED PRODUCERS), LOCAL CONSUMERS WITH LIMITED ACCESS TO LOCAL FOOD INFRASTRUCTURE, AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS. THE PROJECTS PROJECTED IMPACTS INCLUDE EXPANDED DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER MARKET OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOCAL FARM AND RANCH OPERATIONS, INCREASED PARTICIPATION FROM UNDERREPRESENTED PRODUCERS, AND INCREASED ACCESS TO LOCAL FOOD FOR COMMUNITY RESIDENTS, PARTICULARLY THOSE LIVING WITHIN OR ADJACENT TO THE DESIGNATED LOW-INCOME LOW-ACCESS AREA. INTENDED OUTCOMES INCLUDE ONE NEW DIRECT PRODUCER-TO-CONSUMER MARKET ACCESS POINT ESTABLISHED, AT LEAST 50 PRODUCERS REPORTING INCREASED ENGAGEMENT WITH THE NEW MARKET, AND A MINIMUM OF 100 NEW LOCAL AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT CUSTOMERS. INCOME FROM THE MARKET WILL HELP FUND STUDENT EMPLOYMENT AT THE MARKET, INTRODUCING THEM TO HIGHER EDUCATION AND OPPORTUNITIES TO STUDY AND PURSUE CAREERS IN AGRICULTURE THAT REQUIRE TRAINING BEYOND HIGH SCHOOL.