Freedom West Community Development Corporation

PROJECT PURPOSE

The purpose of the Legacy Project, which is a Freedom West CDC economic development project, is to improve profitability and value for regional agricultural producers by creating a value added network of "farm to fork" products, produced in Northwest Oklahoma. These producers will be marketed and used at the Legacy Project in Downtown Alva, in Woods County. A second purpose will be to address the food deserts that are prevalent in our region of the state (defined by USDA as 30 minutes from a grocery store). Additionally, regional producers will increase jobs by selling regionally produced products directly to the consumer through the network of the Legacy Project.

EVIDENCE

Farm to Fork production is growing across the United States (USDA Research Service). Farm to Fork projects are evident in eastern Oklahoma. Western Oklahoma has not realized these opportunities on a large scale yet, although the market is there and the producers are producing. The Legacy Project will bring all of the regional producers together for marketing and sales of product directly to the consumer. Online and Brick/Mortar Sales will be used. Regionally produced products will be sourced and used in the restaurant aspect of the Legacy Project as well. The Legacy Project accomplishes three key economic improvement strategies: Increase in Jobs within a 45 miles radius and an increase of on the farm jobs over a 100 mile radius from Alva. Reduction of Food Miles and in Food Dependency from Foreign and Out of State Producers Increased Sales Tax Collections for City of Alva, Woods County, State of Oklahoma

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Agricultural Producers, both small and large producers, have been negatively impacted by Covid. Specifically, supply chain issues, increased costs of fuel, fertilizer, and loss of employees has been difficult to overcome and continue profitability. Further, the agricultural sector has become too reliant on foreign producers, and in some segments of the food production process, we know that production facilities have been hindered tremendously by Covid's impact. In Northwest Oklahoma, the Legacy Project will positively impact the regional economy and the agricultural sector by creating jobs and increasing profitability for producers of all sizes. The Legacy Project will add 25 to 35 jobs immediately upon completion of the facility. These will be above average hourly wages and 25% of the positions will be administrative and management. This project will add to sales tax collections, which has experienced a loss due to Covid.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Architectural and Engineering plans are completed, the land has been purchased for the facility, The Legacy Project is ready to start construction on the Downtown Square in Alva. Commitment to construction, contracts will be finalized with regional producers to market Farm to Fork product through the Legacy Project. This project will employ 30 to 40 individuals directly at the Legacy Project. On the farm production capacities will be increased for 14 to 22 producers resulting in additional employment of up to 26 employees. These employees will be involved in growing, packaging, shipping, and preparation and delivery of these products. Produce, dairy, organic wheat, pecans, beef, salsa, honey, jam and jellies, are the types of products that we will contract with to sell and use from Legacy Project facilities. Data to be collected each quarter/year include: Sales; # of jobs added; Hourly Wage Increases per employee; improved producer income from Farm to Fork production contracts; Legacy Project Sales will be tracked over a period of five years to demonstrate economic impact on the immediate and regional economy; and Sales Tax Increases municipal, county, state, sales taxes collected at the Point of Sale.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma