Alcorn State University Vegetable Processing Facility Supports Farmers
In partnership with: Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce
Alcorn State University Vegetable Processing Facility and its local small farmers naturally go hand in hand like peas in a pod.
For more than 20 years, the Alcorn State University Extension Program has led a program in collaboration with the North Delta Produce Growers Association, Mississippi Association of Cooperatives, Quitman County Board of Supervisors and North Delta Mississippi Enterprise Community. Together, they clean, shell and package peas and other vegetables grown by small farmers near Marks and sell them to major retailers like Kroger.
“It helps the small farmer have more income in their pockets,” says Percy Baldwin, facility manager of the Alcorn State University Vegetable Processing Facility. “The facility helps promote the small farmer so they can sell their products to large grocery stores and not sell on the side of the road.”
See more: 14 Miniature Fruits and Vegetables You Can Grow in Even the Smallest Garden
Shelling Peas and Adding Value to Local Farm Products
The fresh vegetable processing facility adds value to local-grown produce, allowing small farmers to grow and sell on a commercial scale. In just one hour, the facility’s sheller machines can process a quantity of peas that may take a farmer two to three days to shell, Baldwin says. The machines shell up to 100 bushels of peas daily within 48 hours of distribution to retailers.
“We try to shell as many peas as we can as fast as we can so we can get it in, out and on the shelf as quickly as possible,” Baldwin says.
While 75% of the facility’s processing involves shelling and packaging fresh peas, employees also prepare local-grown squash, greens, tomatoes and butter beans for the fresh market. Buyers include Walmart, Kroger and stores local to the Delta area. Thanks to this facility, these markets are now attainable for small farmers.
When Baldwin started managing the Alcorn State University Vegetable Processing Facility in 2011, he worked with eight local farmers. By summer 2021, that number had quadrupled to 32 farmers, most of them using the facility as the primary market for their vegetable crops.
“We are seeing young farmers getting involved with it now,” Baldwin says. “That’s what we need.”
He also notices some established farmers diversifying their farms. Dr. Franklin Chukwuma, associate director for Extension at Alcorn State University, says diversification helps reduce risks in agriculture and provides opportunities for local farmers to engage in other options to generate income.
See more: Food Processing Adds Value to New Jersey Agriculture
Farmer Focused in the On and Off-Season
In true Cooperative Extension spirit, the facility offers educational training to enhance knowledge and skills. Local farmers attend workshops to learn growing methods and safe food handling practices. Baldwin also educates them on the facility’s processing practices, such as how the product is weighed and packaged.
The facility of two full-time and a few part-time employees packages peas in 16-ounce bags, proudly labeled Mississippi-grown, and supplies fresh, nutritious produce for the region.
Baldwin finds fulfillment knowing the facility makes life better for North Delta’s hard-working small farmers who operate in one of the state’s poorest counties.
“It is good for the community,” he says. “It is amazing to see the progress we have made since we have been here.”
The Alcorn State University Vegetable Processing Facility provides opportunities for employment and additional farm income while it helps alleviate the food desert. A food desert is an area where affordable or quality fresh food is less available.
“Extension is a powerful resource to reach the community members and engage citizens in quality research-based, unbiased educational programs,” Chukwuma says. “Thus, Extension programs have contributed to the communities, especially in enhancing the knowledge and skills of the residents, as well as in promoting health and wellness among the residents.”
