Projects

Develop economic practices and vertical integration to place added value on agricultural production in Western Oklahoma. Attract business and industry related to agriculture to locate in southwestern Oklahoma.

Interest is increasing on Value Added Agriculture and Vegetable Marketing. There is a need to find grants and loans to assist with developing facilities and marketing. Coordinate efforts and locally led initiatives for agriculture producers in the area.

Promote Community Supported Agriculture through increased awareness of local food supplies and increase activities of farmers markets. Community Supported Agriculture reflects an innovative and resourceful strategy to connect local farmers with local consumers; develop a regional food supply and strong local economy; maintain a sense of community; encourage land stewardship; and honor the knowledge and experience of growers and producers working with small to medium farms.

The Great Plains RC&D Council has been working with area farmers markets to provide a more secure local food source. The Hobart and Elk City Farmers Markets were able to receive agriculture diversification and marketing grants from Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. The Elk City Farmers market opened the 2003 season in mid July at Madison & Broadway on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings. The Weatherford Farmers Market was open through the season on Saturday mornings and Tuesday evenings. The Hobart Farmers Market was open on Saturdays on the courthouse square.