East Arkansas RC&D receives $45,666 grant for Arkansas State University Farmer's Market

Little Rock, Ark., Oct. 18, 2007 – The East Arkansas Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc., (RC&D) at Jonesboro was selected for a $45,666. With the grant, the council will research farmers’ and customers’ needs and create educational programs on business practices and crop planning for farm vendors at the Arkansas State University Regional Farmers’ Market.

The farmers’ market opened June 24, 2006, on 3-acres of land leased by the RC&D council.

“The goal of this project is to ensure the sustainable future of the farmers’ market by increasing and diversifying the participation of vendors and consumers,” said Bob Young, RC&D coordinator.

“Our first objective is to identify and address consumer needs by conducting surveys and increasing marketing,” he said. “The second objective is to increase the participation and knowledge base of the farmers and vendors at the market by providing educational programs and evaluating needs, programs successes and areas for change.”

Other organizations involved include  ASU College of Agriculture, East Arkansas Planning and Development, Craighead County Farm Bureau, Craighead County Cooperative Extension Service, Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce, community leaders and farmers.

Acting USDA Secretary of Agriculture Chuck Conner recently announced 23 grants, to 16 states and the District of Columbia, totaling $900,000 under the Farmers Market Promotion Program.

“Farmers markets are increasingly becoming a larger and more integral part of our rural and urban communities,” Conner said. “We support this community spirit that helps increase farmer revenues, and provides consumers with fresh, local farm products.”

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