Looking for an opportunity to enhance the profitability of your small farm? A new program is being offered by the Penn State Cooperative Extension. The innovative approach is designed to benefit small agricultural producers and area consumers.

The Agricultural Alternatives Entrepreneur program will provide assistance to both small farmers and communities interested in developing and promoting nontraditional agricultural products.

It is also expected to increase farm income and provide budding agricultural entrepreneurs the needed boost to help them take an interesting idea to a profitable product or service.

Game bird production, ag-tourism and value-added products are examples of agricultural alternatives.

Small farm operators with an idea for a nontraditional product can receive assistance in the area of business development. The farm-level program's focus is on developing alternative enterprise opportunities, generating business and marketing plans and providing market research and feasibility studies. A cooperative extension team will assist small farmers to develop and/or maintain economically viable enterprises.

Communities interested in promoting agricultural economic development may also take part in this special program. Recent projects local officials have developed included farmer markets and community supported vegetable gardens.

If you are interested in this program, contact the Butler County extension office at 724-287-4761 or extension educator John Laughner at the Indiana County extension office at 724-465-3880.

This material is submitted by Donna Zang, extension director, and the staff of the Penn State Cooperative Extension office at the Sunnyview Nursing Home complex.