OVRCD's Outreach to Produce Growers

Published: March 1, 2011

Author: Brad McCord (USDA)

The Osage Valley Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc. (OVRCD), has received grant funds from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to assist with the promotion of farmers market initiatives within a 10-county area. The purpose of the outreach effort is to increase awareness of NRCS and Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) programs and services, provide vegetable producer education, and increase consumer awareness and availability of locally produced vegetables and farm products. As part of the producer education component, OVRCD will be sponsoring the printing & mailing cost of this newsletter.

The OVRCD is a group of community leaders who volunteer their time to provide leadership to address natural resource and community development demands in Central and West Central Missouri. County Commissioners and the Soil and Water Conservation Districts from the 10-county area are the primary sponsors of the Organization. The project focus area includes the following counties: Bates, Benton, Camden, Cass, Henry, Hickory, Miller, Morgan, St. Clair and Vernon. The Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) program is administered by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

The OVRCD plans to establish and distribute a list of farmers markets and locations in the ten-county area where vegetable producers have fresh produce for sale. Individuals and communities having existing farmers markets, or looking to establish farmers market outlets are encouraged to contact the RC&D office at 660-885-5567, extension 6, in Clinton, MO. More information can be found by going to the Council website: www.osagevalleyrcd.com.

Look for information about other OVRCD outreach efforts in future newsletters. They can provide guidance to producers interested in receiving NRCS technical assistance on conservation practices while opting out of financial support.