Field to Table Technical Assistance and Support for Small Producers
The Southwest Regional Food Business Center provides direct business technical assistance to small- and mid-sized food and farm businesses (producers, processors, aggregators, distributors, and other businesses within the food supply chain) and food value and supply chain coordination. The Field to Table video feature Center partners from UCSC Center for Agroecology, UCANR, and Valley Vision, and TA Recipients from Wise Acre Farms, Pollinate Farm, and Chiricana Cocina.
Ocean to Market Technical Assistance and Support for Small Producers
The Southwest Regional Food Business Center provides direct business technical assistance to small- and mid-sized food and farm businesses (producers, processors, aggregators, distributors, and other businesses within the food supply chain) and food value and supply chain coordination. The Field to Table video feature Center partner, UCSC Center for Agroecology, Bay Area Fisheries Trust, and TA Recipients from Real Good Fish and Little Dory Seafood.
2023 Needs Assessment
The following food and farm entrepreneur needs were complied by an assessment conducted in 2023 surveying individuals across state of California.
Business Development & Planning
Financial literacy - Help producers and food businesses understand financial management, budgeting, and cost analysis.
- Business plan development - Assist small enterprises in creating scalable business models, exploring market opportunities, and planning for sustainable growth.
Access to capital - Provide guidance on funding opportunities (e.g., grants, loans, investors) and how to prepare for funding applications.
Marketing & Market Access
Market analysis - Help producers assess local, regional, and national market trends, and identify niches.
- Marketing strategies - Assist in developing branding, social media, and promotional strategies.
- Distribution & logistics - Guide businesses on effective supply chain management and distribution networks.
Export opportunities - Provide knowledge on expanding into regional and international markets (e.g., USDA’s export programs).
Food Safety & Compliance
Regulatory compliance - Provide guidance on federal, state, and local food safety regulations (e.g., USDA, FDA).
Certification assistance - Compliance with Food Safety Standards: Key regulatory standards, including HACCP, GMP, and FSMA. Support in obtaining necessary certifications such as organic, fair trade.
Sustainability & Resilience
Sustainable farm to market and food processing practices - Through communities of practice, mentoring and sharing current research, we advance practices that are sustainable.
Climate resilience - Focus on market advancement for sustainable producers and enterprises that advance regional small producer and enterprises incorporating regenerative, sustainable and organic practices.
Workforce Development
Training programs - Develop skills-based training programs in food production, processing, and distribution for the regional workforce.
- Leadership development - Build leadership capacity among small producers and entrepreneurs.