A PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND MARKET CREATION PLAN

(prepared for the Autistic Farmers of America by J. DeSalis-Sophrin Assoc. – Consultants)

Autistic Farmers Of America (AFOA) BACKGROUND

Ten years ago, a highly decorated combat veteran (Vietnam) with a 100% disability pension began a small organic survival farm near Sacramento, CA.  Over time his farming operation grew in scope; then, some four years ago, realizing that his physical and other restrictions would soon require him to get some help to continue with his work, he began searching for that help through his network of suppliers. Ultimately, he was introduced to a young man who also happened to be an autistic adult. Although having some reservations he took him on.  Things apparently clicked and they soon became an effective working team, to their mutual benefit.

From that first-hand experience, this veteran then conceived of the idea which led to the formation of the Autistic Farmers Of America (AFOA.) The concept for it being to create a model which could demonstrate how farming can assist adults with autism to become more self-sufficient and less dependent on others in order to have more useful and productive lives.

With the help and support of several other combat veterans from different eras (Korea, Vietnam, Gulf wars), in 2016 AFOA was established as a Nevada registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization for that purpose.

While gifts and donations do provide some measure of support for this project, to sustain such farming operations requires an underlying source of revenue. A specific Plan is being developed with opportunities for new revenue sources.  What follows is an overview of possible new revenue sources being considered.

 

CHOOSING THE RIGHT REVENUE PRODUCING FARM PRODUCTS

Beyond conventional products such as seeds, flowers, vegetables, poultry, eggs, etc., for which there are masses of other sources, thereby presenting a very crowded and competitive market matrix,  a little known product has been identified with some potential to become a regular consumable commodity.  Based upon research about it to date, that item is none other than the -Guinea Bird- currently classified only as a “game bird” product, rather than as a regular farm commodity.

Feasibility studies are underway to identify requirements to raise, house, and promote the -Guinea Bird- as a primary AFOA revenue source.

Additionally, true organically raised birds require separation from the farms general bird population.

Details for controlled free range areas, barn space and specific feed needed from hatching, brooding and age separation are being reviewed.