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Olga Padilla-Zakowr, Director, Cornell University/New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva, NY
The NECFE provides information and resources on business development, entrepreneurship training, marketing strategies and tools, product process development, technology transfer, regulatory compliance, labeling, education and outreach, and workshops. Their mission is to provide comprehensive assistance to beginning and established food entrepreneurs in order to promote sustainable economic development in rural communities.
Phone: 1-888-624-6785 or (315) 787-2274
Mark J. Hanson, Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs
This report summarizes some of the issues to consider when starting a value-added agribusiness. It details the possible business structures and offers suggestions. Hanson also lists tax and securities advantages from starting a cooperative business entity. One example includes ways that section 521 cooperatives do not have to face the double taxation issue as involved with other types of corporations. Risks and uncertainties of these business structures are also described. Publication is in PDF format.
New Farm Options, University of Wisconsin Extension
Discusses many aspects of starting a value added farm-food business, including: basic steps to starting a business; keys to success; cooperative strategies; developing a business plan; developing a marketing plan; food processing; choosing and equipping your facility; operations, personnel, and management; Internet tools and computer programs; legal and tax issues; financing; and more business help.
Provides links for creating business plans including links describing elements of a business plan, plans for farms and rural businesses, sample business plans, helpful hints and online workshops and courses.