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Options for Selling through Farm to School

Direct Sales

Mississippi DoD Farm to School

Direct Sales

Selling to individual schools or school districts

Summary Produce is supplied to individual schools or school districts. Delivery Product is delivered to individual schools as agreed upon by the schools. Food Safety Food safety requirements are at the discretion of the schools. Prices Farmers work directly with the schools on pricing, delivery, volume, etc. Quantities Smaller, more diverse amounts of fruits and vegetables are needed for individual schools or school districts. Growers Produce can be sold to public school/districts, private schools, or daycares/afterschool programs.

Direct Sales –Considerations

• Pricing
• Transportation
• Payment
• Clients
• Institutions &

Programs

Find Programs in Your Area

http://www.mde.k12.ms.us/OCN/ML

Direct Sales - Good Practices

• Consider Piloting one

product

• Show the purchasing

agent your invoice

• Write up a simple

contract

• Set delivery dates and

times

• Be consistent
• STAY CONNECTED

DoD Farm to School Program

Sell through MDAC to DoD Fresh Program, with orders from MDE Summary DoD Farm to School is a bulk purchasing program with produce being supplied to multiple schools and school districts across the state. Delivery Product is delivered to at least one of three distribution points, two in Jackson and one in Corinth. Food Safety GAP/GHP Certification (Audited) or Equivalent is required. Prices Farmers work directly with MDAC to sell produce. Prices are finalized by the “buyer”. Quantities & Packaging Larger quantities are needed because MS uses statewide purchasing. Buyers MDAC using revolving fund or from a contracted vendor.

2015-2016 DoD Farm to School Program

• Products: butterbeans, sweet

potatoes, blueberries, collard greens, southern peas, cucumbers, eggplant, bell peppers, grape tomatoes, turnip greens, green beans, yellow squash, zucchini squash, sweet corn, cantaloupes, strawberries, hydroponic cucumbers, lettuce

• Products Demanded: watermelons,

satsumas, broccoli

DoD Program: How It Works for Farmers

1) Based upon the “planned buy” information from MDE, MDAC makes GAP certified farmers aware of the needed volumes and delivery dates of certain produce. 2) MDAC identifies GAP certified growers that are interested in and capable of filling the produce orders. 3) MDAC introduces the prime vendor to the farmer who discuss price. (MDAC does not set the price.) 4) Farmers are responsible for delivering produce to the proper distribution point(s) - Merchants and/or Jackson Public School Warehouse in Jackson & Briggs in Corinth. 5) Farmers must make delivery appointments with the distributor 48 hours in advance of delivery date. 6) Following delivery, MDAC works with farmers on payment.

DoD Program: Getting Paid

Farmers can be paid directly from the prime vendor

• or -

Farmers can participate in the Revolving Fund Program.

Revolving Fund Program

• How it works:

 Upon delivery, Farmer completes and returns Revolving Fund Invoice to MDAC.  MDAC pays grower, and in turn, MDAC is paid by the prime vendor. Optional program that allows farmers to get paid quickly, within 5 days of submitting paperwork.

GAP/GHP Cost-Share Program

• GAP/GHP - Good Agricultural

Practices/Good Handling Practices.

• Reimburses farmers 75% of

cost of obtaining GAP/GHP certification up to $500.

• Contact: Michael Lasseter

michaelL@mdac.ms.gov (601) 359-1120

Resources for Schools

• Website

– farmtoschoolweek.org

• Posters
• Brochures
• School Garden Gt

Program (available Augus2014)

Resources for Schools

• Website

– farmtoschoolweek.org

• Posters
• Cafeteria Window Clings
• Brochures
• School Garden Grant

Program

Chaille Clements Munn Mississippi Department of Agriculture & Commerce Communications and Marketing Specialist chaille@mdac.ms.gov (601) 359-1140 Brandon Cobianchi Mississippi Department of Agriculture & Commerce Agribusiness Programs Coordinator brandonc@mdac.ms.gov (601) 359-1110

CONTACT: