THE KENTUCKY CENTER FOR AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT WILL SUPPORT DIRECT MARKETING FARMERS AIMING TO EXPAND THEIR ACCESS TO NEW MARKETS AND INCREASE REVENUE STREAMS. THIS PROJECT WILL AID FARMERS IN DEVELOPING BUSINESS PLANS CONNECTING WITH RETAIL OUTLETS AND RESTAURANTS AND DISSEMINATING BEST PRACTICES TO A WIDER GROUP OF RESOURCE PROVIDERS. THE PROJECT WILL BENEFIT FARMERS RANCHERS PROCESSORS AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS ACROSS CENTRAL APPALACHIA. THE PROJECT WILL CONNECT PRODUCERS TO NEW MARKETS OFFER MENTORSHIP AND PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE AND EXPAND THE AVAILABILITY OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE MATERIALS TO A BROADER AUDIENCE. THROUGH THESE EFFORTS THE PROJECT WILL INCREASE THE VOLUME OF GOODS SOLD DIRECTLY TO CONSUMERS STRENGTHENING THE ECONOMIC VIABILITY OF AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS IN THE REGION.