The west virginia food and farm coalition INC

Will�enhance the economic viability and sustainability of smallscale valueadded producers throughout west virginia by establishing a robust aggregation and distribution network. This project will focus on building strategic partnerships among farmers processors and other stakeholders within west virginia and expanding these connections to include distribution systems capable of efficiently handling and transporting shelfstable valueadded products across the state and into at least five midatlantic cities. The project will initially involve a comprehensive instate assessment of current aggregation networks identifying gaps and necessary resources followed by the design and implementation of statewide distribution systems. Subsequently the organization will establish new partnerships outside of west virginia creating a broader network of stakeholders. The anticipated outcome of this project is increased market access and economic opportunities for west virginias valueadded producers allowing them to compete more effectively within the regional marketplace and meet growing consumer demand. The project will support the creation of a coordinated system for processing packaging and distributing products made in west virginia aiming to strengthen the entire value chain and benefit the communities that rely on these producers.