Farm Project meeting

DRDC meeting 12/01/09 minutes
Roger Brawn opened the meeting with a brief talk about what this meeting is about and what things have been talked about in prior meetings.

Everyone introduced themselves around the room. Fewer people attended than last meeting, but we still had a good size group. Jason Bird spoke about the bids being publicly open today and about the architects process for the selection of the general contractor. He stressed the fact that since DRDC approved grant is a Federal grant, that the rules for guidelines might limit us in keeping our local contractors and sub-contractors involved with this part of the project.
Judy Craig requested any feed back from local farmers about what their needs might be, so we could incorporate them into the design plan. Judy also told us that we were able to use the slate sink and stove from the old Odd Fellows kitchen. "It was donated to the town and would look great in our new store", she went on to say. Judy also told the group that she had plans to bring the web site up to speed, and planned to post farmers stories as part of a way of staying connected with farmers all over the country and the world. The thought was once again brought up, on streaming the meetings to allow people who were unable to attend to still watch and listen to what went on. Once the workshops begin it will be important for all who are interested in the project to stay involved.

We talked about insurance for the farmers and what would be needed. It was mentioned that we should invite insurance companies to put on a workshop. Miles West Insurance company was suggested as being one of the best in the area. They are excited about this project, and ready to help with the support that will be needed.
In the upcoming weeks Judy will meet with lawyer Paul Dillian of Corinth to talk about how he might assist us in this project. She will also get some quotes from him on his fees and rates.
The group talked about certifying kitchens, labeling and branding for the new store. We talked about the cost of bags being printed and brainstormed about what a logo might look like. Fred Sherburne brought up the idea of getting the school involved with a graphic design. We also talked about soil quality and different things that farmers would need to know to grow the quality of produce we plan to carry.
We discussed that the USDA has an abundance of programs available. They even offer cooling and refrigeration loans of up to $400K to the producer at a rate of about 3%. The fact was brought up about lenders requiring crop insurance.
We talked about the guidelines for meat, and the importance of approved slaughter housed. The certification is different for poultry, and a limit is placed on the amount. They still must be licensed. Eggs are inspected by the state of Maine depending on the size and number being produced. Product liability is still needed. Vegetables require product liability insurance too. The rules change when you deal with the commercial stand compared to the private stand.
Judy once again spoke about how much we need more members, and to please join DRDC. If more farmers were to join it could help leverage grants without forming other boards.
Town manager Dave Pearson spoke about where we are with our understanding of this project thus far; He stressed that the plan was to have locally grown and / or organic products;food would not be prepared on the premises, additional grants would be needed to certify a kitchen.
A kitchen grant will be another goal. Meat that was cryo-vac would be the only meat sold. The store will not be a co-op, but might have a membership with special benefits. The store will also act as an information center for farmers. If additional help was needed to harvest a crop or do work, farmers could locate help through the general store. Judy reminded the group that a pre-buying plan would be good for raising capital. Tithing was also an idea we wanted to keep in the plan of things.
A plan to put together a brief survey for farmers and consumers was discussed. We would plan to have that in the works by the 19th of January 2010.
Roger Brawn went over some of the bylaws and talked about all the responsibility and different jobs that Judy will have in her new roll as director of DRDC. The salary that she receives can also be used as leverage for additional grants. We all concurred that Judy Craig should be paid for all her hard work and efforts as director.
The next meeting for Dexter Regional Development Corporation is January 5th 2010.