This web site is intended to help individuals identify how they can capitalize on adding value to agricultural products that will benefit the whole community. The interest in value-added agriculture largely arises from the fact that the farm value of a dollar spent on food has slipped from 22.8¢ in 1950 to only 7.9¢ in 1999. Much of the increase in value-added beyond the farm gate can be attributed to an increase in demand for convenience oriented food products and away from home food purchases. While value-added agriculture and forestry enterprises can offer improved returns for rural small businesses and communities, careful assessment of the market, finances, and environment need to be made before a value-added enterprise is pursued. We hope that the curriculum and resources on this site will assist you in the process of identifying, selecting, managing, monitoring, and growing value-added agricultural enterprises.