Rural Action Sustainable Agriculture Projects

RASA Projects

Restaurant Survey
In the spring of 2004 we completed a survey of area restaurants that determined their interest in buying local agricultural products. We’ve now compiled this survey into a searchable list. Interested producers can contact our program about conducting a search for their particular market (restaurants interested in apples, institutions interested in freezer beef, etc.) and we will provide them with contact information.

Chesterhill Produce Auction
Rural Action Sustainable Agriculture is partnering with Jean Konkle and the Chesterhill community to organize a wholesale produce auction in Chesterhill (Morgan County) Ohio. Our role has been to organize educational workshops by bringing in experts from the Bainbridge Produce Auction, OSU Piketon and others. We also aid in outreach, publicity, marketing, and grant writing.

Groundbreaking for the Auction building was held June 6, 2005, with the first produce auction taking place Thursday, June 16, and each Thursday thereafter at 3 pm. Read more...

Selling to Ohio University
Under a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission, Rural Action Sustainable Agriculture has been working in cooperation with Randy Shelton of Ohio University to introduce farmers to the opportunity to sell to Ohio University food service. We’ve produced a pamphlet on Selling to Ohio University that was produced through interviews with OU staff and area growers.

January 2005 Women in Agriculture
Guest of honor Denise O' Brien and Rural Action Sustainable Agriculture are hosting a dinner and discussion for Appalachian women involved in agriculture.

June 2005 Land Owners Conference
RASA will be sponsoring an agricultural track at the upcoming Land Owners Conference. Visit the Conference page online-- read about the 2004 sessions and register early this year's event.

To learn more about our projects and future plans, please call Tom Redfern, Coordinator, or Lily Brislen at 740-442-4401.