Abstract
The expansion of sustainable agriculture requires the development of alternative production techniques and marketing strategies. Unfortunately, just as with the dominant agrifood system, minority and limited resource producers are often not incorporated into planning processes. As an attempt to forge an alternative framework, this paper provides findings and recommendations from an exploratory planning project funded by the Southern Region Sustainable Agriculture and Education (SARE) program designed to bring together traditionally-underserved producers, their membership organizations, regional nonprofit organizations and universities, and a variety of customer interests. Participants worked collaboratively to identify opportunities and challenges associated with expanding access to diverse agricultural markets and creating incentives for sustainable production. Findings show a continuing need to access financial capital, land, equipment, education and technical support, and to develop innovative cooperative arrangements and expand opportunities for youth involvement in agriculture. The rural development policy implications of these findings are analyzed.
Recommended Citation
Kleiner, Anna, and John Green. 2008. "Expanding the Marketing Opportunities and Sustainable Production Potential for Minority and Limited-Resource Agricultural Producers in Louisiana and Mississippi." Journal of Rural Social Sciences, 23(1): Article 7. Available at: https://egrove.olemiss.edu/jrss/vol23/iss1/7
Publication Date
6-30-2008
