Completed in cooperation with the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation and Rural Sustainability (VA FAIRS), the “Feasibility Analysis of a Prototypical Chestnut Cooperative” reviews the economic and technical possibilities of establishing a prototypical chestnut selling cooperative in Virginia. The study takes a comprehensive look at all aspects of the project required to create a successful venture including the chestnut...

This publication is the third in the “Running a Food Hub” series from USDA Rural Development. The report examines the financial viability of new and existing food hubs, and serves as a companion piece to the other USDA reports on food hubs. Through industry research, interviews, and discussions, this report provides benchmarks which growing food hubs can use to see how financial changes impact operations. It is divided into three...

This article in the January/February 2016 issue of the USDA Rural Cooperatives Magazine discusses the work of Matson Consulting and VA FAIRS in helping Shenandoah Processing become a vital part of the Virginia poultry industry. Shenandoah Processing began in 2013 as an organic chicken processing plant designed to help smaller scale producers more easily get their product into the market. The founder, Corwin Heatwole, received assistance through...

Matson Consulting, along with the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation and Rural Sustainability (VA FAIRS), has recently created a guide that examines and shares the experience of county-based agricultural economic development in Virginia. Although this information focuses on areas in Virginia, the lessons and strategies presented can be applied and shared with agricultural development groups nationwide. The guide has been released...

Jim Matson along with Jake Brimlow, with Chico State University created this paper using buyer survey data from two geographically distinct regions to provide insight into two developing areas of research in local food system development: estimating indirect demand for local food, and the importance of food safety as a barrier to local food markets. The findings of this research were presented at the AAEA Annual Meeting in July. Click here to...