Mariposa Agri-Nature Association
Developing Entrepreneurship — Workshop 2
Workshop #2: May 10th, 2018
Welcome
Kris Casto, president of the Mariposa Agri-Nature Associate Board
Success story: Raw Roots – Lauren Glikin
Raw Roots is a farm in Catheys Valley which Lauren and her husband Andrew started just a few years ago. They had no previous experience, but were motivated by the fact that people deserve good food that they know the source of. They have built up a steady business. They sell their produce through a Community Supported Agriculture model, to local restaurants directly, and at Farmer's Markets. Among Lauren's take-home points:
- Follow County rules and regulations – sometimes seems bothersome, but always helpful in the long run
- NRCS was a big help in getting grants and advice
- The Farm and Ranch Tour has been a big help promoting the business
- Local advice, cooperation and help from other businesses and organizations were also important
Made in Mariposa – Dane Carlson
The Made in Mariposa initiative promotes the local agriculture, manufacturing, and artist-based businesses of Mariposa County. Made in Mariposa works to bring awareness and create demand for the high-quality manufactured goods, and other products grown and created in Mariposa County, while reflecting regional values for the economic benefit of local industry. The program requires that participating products source at least 51% of their raw materials from the county, or utilize 51% or more of their labor from the county.
Made in Mariposa Posted by Made in Mariposa on Thursday, August 11, 2016
Natural Resources Conservation Service – Robyn Smith
Attracting visitors – Dane Carlson
Dane returned to speak, this time in his role interfacing with Yosemite visitors. He pointed out that around 500,000 cars travel through Mariposa to visit Yosemite, and they all are willing to spend money on creating memories, and that local agricutlural and agri-nature businesses can potentially play a much larger role in helping to create unique experiences.
- vistiors are surprised to find Yosemite not as big as they thought
- must be something regular
- however, anything unique
Internet and social media – Jon Wurl
For more about the Mariposa Agri-nature Association, please see our home page.