Our Experience

Field to Table has a unique blend of skills and experience, and we hope you will allow us to help you develop your business! FTT has provided support to all segments of sustainable agriculture including dairy, produce, livestock, fishing, aquaponics and agritourism; group based businesses including food and dairy cooperatives, shellfish processing, agricultural plastic recycling, and community-owned businesses; and worker-owned entities in the photovoltaic, retail, and tele-fundraising sectors.

Areas in which we have experience include:

Food cooperatives and group based businesses
Worker owned companies
Agricultural producers including dairy, livestock, and produce
Agritourism
Value added product development
Nurseries
Farm stands
Renewable energy and energy efficiency

Recent projects

Hilltown Farmers Biodiesel Cooperative

Field to Table is providing strategic and business planning and engineering guidance to this cooperative LLC of Franklin and Berkshire County farms as they explore growing and harvesting oilseed crops, pressing the oilseed, and processing the oil into biodiesel for their farm vehicles. FTT worked with the founding group to secure a $108,700 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources under their Agricultural Innovation program.

Whippoorwill Farm CSA

Field to Table is providing strategic and business planning to this existing Community Supported Agricultural Farm in Martha's Vineyard, Mass. FTT is analyzing physical infrastructure for energy efficiency and Renewable Energy. FTT is also exploring a group-based ownership structure between the farmer, landowner, and local non-profit organizations.

Renewable Energy Projects on Western Mass. Dairy Farms

Field to Table was awarded two USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grants in 2007 to work with dairy farmers in Franklin and Hampshire counties. One grant will be used to determine the diesel fuel usage on Franklin County dairy farms and if the use of renewable fuel sources, cooperative purchasing, and distribution will result in significant fuel cost savings thereby increasing profits, energy security, and improving financial stability. The second grant will measure present energy expenditures (other than fuel) on two farms in Franklin and Hampshire Counties and research conservation measures and alternative energy systems, including biomass (switch grass, methane, wood chips), photovoltaics, and wind.

Mass. Farm Viability Enhancement Program

2007–2008 finds FTT developing business plans for a blueberry farm, landscape company, and strategic planning for a mixed use farm. FTT provided business planning and technical assistance for six projects in 2006–2007 spanning the dairy, maple syrup, farm stand, and specialty cider sectors. In 2005, FTT completed a business plan for improvements on a dairy farm, market analysis and strategic planning for two orchards, and a market study for a maple producer.

Fiddleheads Natural Food Cooperative

FTT supported the development of a Feasibility Study and Business Plan for a location in downtown New London, Conn., coordinated financing institutions for loans, store design, and equipment purchasing and provided support to the Board of Directors. A lease has been signed and it is projected that the store will open in 2008.

E & T Farms, Inc. Aquaponics Project

FTT was hired to write a business plan for this state of the art closed-loop aquaponics facility which began operating in the spring of 2006 and is presently enjoying brisk sales.

Maine Shellfish Growers

FTT presented a Co-op 101 workshop to a group of Maine shellfish producers.

River Valley Market

In collaboration with Rochelle Prunty and CDI, FTT prepared a successful Green Building grant to the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust for a $460,000 grant to install green building components, energy efficiency measures, and renewable energy technologies in the new grocery building. In collaboration with Rochelle Prunty, Ed Maltby, and Nora Owens, FTT developed the final business plan to obtain funding for the new store in Northampton, Mass., that opened in April of 2008.

In collaboration with Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA)

Organic and Transitioning Dairy Farmers Co-op

FTT is working with a group of dairy farmers in Western Mass. and Southern Vermont, who are interested in forming a marketing co-op to process and market a local organic brand of dairy products. This project is in conjunction with a grant awarded to CISA from MA DAR to determine the feasibility of locating a milk processing plant in Franklin County.

West County Grass-Fed Beef Marketing Co-op

FTT provided organizational development, marketing, and legal documents for this group of producers who raise local, high quality, grass-fed beef.

Massachusetts Wool Blanket Marketing Initiative — USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grants 2004–2005

FTT completed the market research and marketing/distribution plan for locally manufactured wool blankets and completed the first stage of research into supplementary products.The initial blanket, called the Heritage Wool Blanket was successfully manufactured and brought increased income to participating producers. In 2005, a second blanket was produced and FTT developed the business plan.

In Collaboration with CISA and the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce

Franklin County Agri-tourism Project

FTT conducted a market analysis of agri-tourism opportunities that may be used to increase farm viability in Franklin County. From the report, CISA created a workbook to provide farmers the tools necessary to expand into the agri-tourism trade.

In collab oration with Allbee & Allbee

Field to Table wrote the market analysis as part of a feasibility study for Our Family Farms Milk Cooperative to address the potential of developing a local milk processing facility.

In Collaboration with the Cooperative Development Institute (CDI)

Troy NY Food Cooperative

FTT developed a market study and business plan as well as board governance and operational systems for this start-up cooperative in Troy, New York.

Collective Voice, Inc.

Organizational development and an updated business plan are currently being provided to this tele-fundraising worker cooperative in the first stages of business growth.

Stafford Traders

FTT assisted in developing a feasibility study for a cooperatively-owned mercantile store in this rural northwestern Connecticut community.

Springfield Food Cooperative

FTT provided technical assistance to the Board of Directors immediately after a move and expansion to assist with new structures and implementation.

Randolph Cooperative Market

FTT was hired to provide technical assistance and a marketing plan to increase sales.

Stonington, Conn. Food Co-op Project

Supported by a USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant, FTT was project manager and lead consultant team involved in development of this natural food co-op. FTT wrote the feasibility study and business plan and created the legal documents.

The Benson Place

FTT was hired as part of a team to conduct research and planning to assist in creating viable alternatives to complete a desired farm transfer utilizing an ownership structure that would both promote long-term, affordable, farmland stewardship and continued public access.


	“I want to thank you for introducing me to Field to Table. It has been very helpful to have them help me to identify and clarify suitable directions to pursue with regards to the future of my farm. Sometimes the process of trying to make the right decision concerning the use of the land has been fraught with confusion. Having Field to Table to keep me stay focused and to hear my concerns has made the process more manageable.” Ceacy Henderson, Penfrydd Farm	Our Experience Field to Table has a unique blend of skills and experience, and we hope you will allow us to help you develop your business! FTT has provided support to all segments of sustainable agriculture including dairy, produce, livestock, fishing, aquaponics and agritourism; group based businesses including food and dairy cooperatives, shellfish processing, agricultural plastic recycling, and community-owned businesses; and worker-owned entities in the photovoltaic, retail, and tele-fundraising sectors. Areas in which we have experience include: Food cooperatives and group based businesses Worker owned companies Agricultural producers including dairy, livestock, and produce Agritourism Value added product development Nurseries Farm stands Renewable energy and energy efficiency Recent projects Hilltown Farmers Biodiesel Cooperative Field to Table is providing strategic and business planning and engineering guidance to this cooperative LLC of Franklin and Berkshire County farms as they explore growing and harvesting oilseed crops, pressing the oilseed, and processing the oil into biodiesel for their farm vehicles. FTT worked with the founding group to secure a $108,700 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources under their Agricultural Innovation program. Whippoorwill Farm CSA Field to Table is providing strategic and business planning to this existing Community Supported Agricultural Farm in Martha's Vineyard, Mass. FTT is analyzing physical infrastructure for energy efficiency and Renewable Energy. FTT is also exploring a group-based ownership structure between the farmer, landowner, and local non-profit organizations. Renewable Energy Projects on Western Mass. Dairy Farms Field to Table was awarded two USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grants in 2007 to work with dairy farmers in Franklin and Hampshire counties. One grant will be used to determine the diesel fuel usage on Franklin County dairy farms and if the use of renewable fuel sources, cooperative purchasing, and distribution will result in significant fuel cost savings thereby increasing profits, energy security, and improving financial stability. The second grant will measure present energy expenditures (other than fuel) on two farms in Franklin and Hampshire Counties and research conservation measures and alternative energy systems, including biomass (switch grass, methane, wood chips), photovoltaics, and wind. Mass. Farm Viability Enhancement Program 2007–2008 finds FTT developing business plans for a blueberry farm, landscape company, and strategic planning for a mixed use farm. FTT provided business planning and technical assistance for six projects in 2006–2007 spanning the dairy, maple syrup, farm stand, and specialty cider sectors. In 2005, FTT completed a business plan for improvements on a dairy farm, market analysis and strategic planning for two orchards, and a market study for a maple producer. Fiddleheads Natural Food Cooperative FTT supported the development of a Feasibility Study and Business Plan for a location in downtown New London, Conn., coordinated financing institutions for loans, store design, and equipment purchasing and provided support to the Board of Directors. A lease has been signed and it is projected that the store will open in 2008. E & T Farms, Inc. Aquaponics Project FTT was hired to write a business plan for this state of the art closed-loop aquaponics facility which began operating in the spring of 2006 and is presently enjoying brisk sales. Maine Shellfish Growers FTT presented a Co-op 101 workshop to a group of Maine shellfish producers. River Valley Market In collaboration with Rochelle Prunty and CDI, FTT prepared a successful Green Building grant to the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust for a $460,000 grant to install green building components, energy efficiency measures, and renewable energy technologies in the new grocery building. In collaboration with Rochelle Prunty, Ed Maltby, and Nora Owens, FTT developed the final business plan to obtain funding for the new store in Northampton, Mass., that opened in April of 2008. In collaboration with Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) Organic and Transitioning Dairy Farmers Co-op FTT is working with a group of dairy farmers in Western Mass. and Southern Vermont, who are interested in forming a marketing co-op to process and market a local organic brand of dairy products. This project is in conjunction with a grant awarded to CISA from MA DAR to determine the feasibility of locating a milk processing plant in Franklin County. West County Grass-Fed Beef Marketing Co-op FTT provided organizational development, marketing, and legal documents for this group of producers who raise local, high quality, grass-fed beef. Massachusetts Wool Blanket Marketing Initiative — USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grants 2004–2005 FTT completed the market research and marketing/distribution plan for locally manufactured wool blankets and completed the first stage of research into supplementary products.The initial blanket, called the Heritage Wool Blanket was successfully manufactured and brought increased income to participating producers. In 2005, a second blanket was produced and FTT developed the business plan. In Collaboration with CISA and the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Franklin County Agri-tourism Project FTT conducted a market analysis of agri-tourism opportunities that may be used to increase farm viability in Franklin County. From the report, CISA created a workbook to provide farmers the tools necessary to expand into the agri-tourism trade. In collab oration with Allbee & Allbee Field to Table wrote the market analysis as part of a feasibility study for Our Family Farms Milk Cooperative to address the potential of developing a local milk processing facility. In Collaboration with the Cooperative Development Institute (CDI) Troy NY Food Cooperative FTT developed a market study and business plan as well as board governance and operational systems for this start-up cooperative in Troy, New York. Collective Voice, Inc. Organizational development and an updated business plan are currently being provided to this tele-fundraising worker cooperative in the first stages of business growth. Stafford Traders FTT assisted in developing a feasibility study for a cooperatively-owned mercantile store in this rural northwestern Connecticut community. Springfield Food Cooperative FTT provided technical assistance to the Board of Directors immediately after a move and expansion to assist with new structures and implementation. Randolph Cooperative Market FTT was hired to provide technical assistance and a marketing plan to increase sales. Stonington, Conn. Food Co-op Project Supported by a USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant, FTT was project manager and lead consultant team involved in development of this natural food co-op. FTT wrote the feasibility study and business plan and created the legal documents. The Benson Place FTT was hired as part of a team to conduct research and planning to assist in creating viable alternatives to complete a desired farm transfer utilizing an ownership structure that would both promote long-term, affordable, farmland stewardship and continued public access.
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