AMES, Iowa -- The Agricultural Marketing Resource Center, launched a new Web site design March 7, 2005 to provide information, education and research to producers about business development and marketing related to value-added agriculture.
The Web site, www.AgMRC.org features updated content and a new graphical look. The site contains state-specific contacts and directories, as well as new business development and commodity-specific information designed to help build successful value-added agricultural enterprises.
"Beginning a new farming venture can be overwhelming," said Mary Holz-Clause, co-director of AgMRC. "Our goal has been to provide easily accessible information for producers, but we wanted to expand the existing content of the Web site and enhance the graphics on the site, without adding to download time."
The Web page is designed to link producers with electronically available information and resources on a variety of agricultural commodities and products. The Center works with leading agricultural economists and business professionals from across the United States to provide applicable research and analysis on market and economic issues facing value-added business ventures.
"The Center provides value-added business and economic analysis tools and information on business principles, legal, financial, logistical and other issues needed to build successful value-added businesses," said Holz-Clause.
According to Don Hofstrand, AgMRC co-director, "Many farmers are looking to value-added agriculture to improve their business profitability. AgMRC is a valuable tool to assist in that development."
The AgMRC is funded through a grant to Iowa State University, Kansas State University and the University of California from U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Rural Business Cooperative Service. AgMRC is designed to provide the information producers and other agribusiness professions need to enhance their bottom line through value-added agriculture activities.
For more information, please contact the Center at www.AgMRC.org, toll free at (866) 277-5567 or email at agmrc@iastate.edu.
-30-