Farmers considering a value-added enterprise often ask about the key factor of success. Several authors suggest that successful entrepreneurs start with passion or commitment. The owner understand that roadblocks and frustrations will be on the path. Success means being willing to continue to pursue the goal finding ways to keep moving forward.
A second important issue is understanding the market and providing a product or service that meets the benefit needs and wants of the marketer.
Other success factors or resources that contribute include organizational management skills, a strong financial position, a commitment to the long term, people skills, marketing savvy, labor management skills, and an ability to manage and maintain cash flow. A publication by the University of Tennessee Center for Profitable Agriculture, called "A Statewide Journey of Sustainable Success," describes some successful value-added businesses in Tennessee. The publication is available online at cpa.utk.edu/pdffiles/sustainablesuccess.pdf.
Additional value-added resources are available on the Center for Profitable Agriculture Web site at cpa.utk.edu and the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center (AgMRC) Web site at www.agmrc.org.
