Get help to look outside the ag box

BUTLER, Pa. – Nontraditional agricultural production could be a plus for some small farmers.

Penn State Cooperative Extension’s Agricultural Alternatives Entrepreneur program can help small farmers and communities interested in developing and promoting non-traditional agricultural products.

Marketing help. Small farm operators with an idea for a nontraditional agricultural product can get help developing a business plan.

The farm-level program’s focus is on developing alternative enterprise opportunities, generating business and marketing plans and providing market research and feasibility studies.

Community role. Communities interested in promoting agricultural economic development may also take part in this special program.

Recent projects local officials have developed included farmer markets and community supported vegetable gardens.

For information contact the Butler County Extension Office at 724-287-4761 or Jon Laughner at the Indiana County Extension Office at 724-465-3880.