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SFI seeks to partner with, and expand the vision of, local economic development councils, chambers of commerce, bankers/investors and others interested in the opportunities and needs of Ohio agriculture. SFI works with its economic development partners to support existing farmers, provide agricultural support for businesses, and encourage new farming ventures and marketing opportunities. Benchmark research has helped to assess the infrastructure and capital needed to support agricultural economic development. Education and creating partnerships that work for the agricultural community are focal points for SFI. We create business training for farmers to secure financial assistance as well as provide information about new markets. In turn, we work with financial institutions to provide benchmarks for loaning capital to new farm ventures. Consumer demand for local food production has created new opportunities for farmers, landowners, and local community businesses to capitalize on emerging niche farming and new agricultural business ventures in the Ohio Appalachian region.
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