33C-3 |
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M. Cranwell1, J. Kolodinsky2, C. W. Donnelly2, and O. I. PADILLA-ZAKOUR3. (1) Center for Rural Studies, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, (2) University of Vermont, (3) Food Science & Technology, Cornell Univ., New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, 630 W. North St., Geneva, NY 14456-1371 Specialty foods constitute a growing sector of the food industry. Entrepreneurs that start food businesses need comprehensive assistance to become successful processors and marketers. As start-up ventures, their knowledge and economic resources are limited. Support from University-based food venture centers is a proven support strategy that must include training, counseling, technical services, regulatory compliance assistance, technology transfer and specialized referrals. Our objective was to conduct an in-depth evaluation of the impact of the Northeast Center for Food Entrepreneurship (NECFE), established on January 2000 as a joint effort of Cornell University and University of Vermont, on food businesses that used the services provided by the center. A client follow-up survey was conducted from November 2002 to June 2003. The survey was administered using computer-aided telephone interviewing. A total of 1,285 people were called and 299 surveys were completed for a response rate of 23% with 95% confidence level. Univariate and bi-variate analyses were carried out using SPSS and Excel. 94% of clients reported being satisfied with the direct assistance received from the center. 85% agreed that NECFE services provided the information and assistance needed. 32% gained knowledge in product safety/sanitation, 27% in labeling/packaging, 25% in processed foods, 23% in marketing/market research, and 22% in regulatory/licensing information. 65% reported that NECFE services aided in the success of their business. 57% of businesses operate in a rural setting, 39% are farm-based, and 57% are women-owned. Clients sell food products in specialty stores (48%), farmer’s markets (46%), farm stand (39%), mail order (35%) and others. Business sales generated in 2002 had a mean of $401,000 and a median of $31,500. NECFE clients surveyed employed 969 full-time and 547 part-time workers. Comprehensive assistance to food entrepreneurs through university centers is a successful model that increases the safety of specialty foods and creates local economic development.
Session 33C, Extension & Outreach: General
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