Growers/Ag Producers

CIFT provides technical solutions to Ohio companies involved in the Growers/Ag Producers.  We help our clients with emerging technologies, industry best practices, and novel business approaches.  Our business advisors and food scientists work with food processors, industry equipment manufacturers, university researchers and government agencies on food safety and quality, new product and package development, manufacturing productivity, evaluation of novel processing technologies, sensory evaluation, custom equipment design, and small business development and training.

 

CIFT provides the following services for food producers:

Cooperative Development

Effective business models adapt to and evolve with market conditions.  CIFT serves the critical needs of small-scale farmers trying to survive in an increasingly competitive environment.  Opportunities exist for producers to foster new cooperatives or strengthen existing ones.  CIFT's network of business advisors offers individuals information, technical assistance, and training on cooperative efforts.  Groups of producers can get help with developing a concept and transforming a cooperative into a viable business entity.

Hoop Houses

 Although traditionally engaged in the processing and end product aspects of the food industry, CIFT also studies enhanced growing practices.  One such growing practice is the hoop house.  Made of galvanized steel arches covered with polyethylene plastic, hoop houses are typically temporary frames with no permanent foundation.  The structures also feature adjustable side vents which provide a cheaper means of temperature control than traditional mechanical means.  A hoop house can be constructed in various sizes that are conducive to growing different vegetables.

Hoop houses provide an economical way to increase profits and maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace, use minimal land area, and use less energy than traditional greenhouse structures.  Learn more about the benefits of a hoop house by clicking here.

Farmers Markets

Agritourism

Just as developing new products can enhance the prosperity of our nation's producers, so can opening the farm's "doors" to the public.  CIFT's network of agribusiness advisors can demonstrate the economic potential associated with bringing consumers to the location of production as a way to educate and endear consumers to local farms.  From modest farm stands to corn mazes and festivals, CIFT’s advisors provide the opportunities, issues and benefits associated with a variety of concepts for adding supplemental income to farm operations.

 

CIFT has written two free, downloadable guides, Starting an Agritourism Venture and Marketing Your Agritourism Venture, that describe the issues involved in developing and marketing an agritourism enterprise.

Food Safety Consulting

CIFT offers a full range of food safety services to food processors through microbiological consulting and testing, food safety auditing, and food safety and quality training.  Producers developing a new food product require microbial assistance and shelf stability testing.  Fruit and vegetable producers can benefit from a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) consultation in efforts to prepare for required certifications from retailers.  Mock audits reflect progress towards preparation of the USDA audit.  Training seminars are also offered to demonstrate proper handling and production of food products including worker hygiene and sanitation practices.

In collaboration with the Ohio Farm Bureau, CIFT has conducted food safety and GMP audits with growers throughout Ohio and Indiana ensuring quality and safety in production.

New Market Opportunities

Growers can enhance business by exploring new markets for their products.  CIFT's agribusiness advisors will help you understand how to market to consumers and provide the opportunities, issues and benefits associated with selling products to the government, institutions (including schools and restaurants), farmers' markets, and other venues.

Through direct marketing, more income remains with the producer while consumers benefit from fresh, wholesome alternative products with minimal processing.

For more information, download our free Producers' Resource Guide and visit Ohio's MarketMaker - an interactive mapping system that locates businesses and markets of agricultural products in Ohio, providing an important link between producers and consumers.

Value-Added Enhancements

Traditional crops are driven by price – making operational efficiency and economies of scale critical to profitability.  Specialty crops offer co-ops of producers an opportunity to produce higher value crops on a smaller scale. 

CIFT's expert network of business advisors and food-based businesses utilizes industry knowledge and current technology to explore new methods for generating revenue for producers.  Concepts are evaluated based on potential for near-term success, low barriers to market entry, specific market potential for products, and tangible benefits such as jobs created and income generated.  CIFT conducts feasibility studies and market research on concepts that most closely demonstrate these qualities.

Farm to Chef Project (Northwest Ohio Fresh Network)

Farm to School Project

Technology Transfer

Through CIFT's consortium of member companies including food processors, equipment manufacturers and institutions, multiple research projects are conducted addressing an agreed industry challenge.  CIFT serves as the catalyst in advancing the research component and implementing it within the marketplace.  Commercializing technology strengthens the proficiency, productivity and profitability of agribusinesses in the state of Ohio and the nation.  By directly connecting the processor and researcher, technology transfer is heightened and accelerated via immediate need and available avenue for implementation.