Texas Center for Local Food
Texas Center for Local Food
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Beyond Fresh Program

A Value-Added Processing Training Program for Farmers & Food Entrepreneurs

The Beyond Fresh Program empowers farmers, gardeners, and food entrepreneurs to turn locally grown agricultural products into market-ready goods.

Through the Beyond Fresh Online education series, participants gain the knowledge and resources to create new revenue streams, reduce food waste, and expand their business opportunities.

Explore Beyond Fresh Online Courses

Is Beyond Fresh For You?

A selection of jarred picked with a colorful non-labeled variety behind them

Grow your food business or explore new opportunities with a program designed for:

Farmers

Farmers

Diversify income streams
Small Food Business Owners

Small Food Business Owners

Expand your product line
Gardeners & Homesteaders

Gardeners & Homesteaders

Sell preserved goods
Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Learn the business fundamentals of value-added products
"This program has given us the ability to improve our marketing, our labeling, our packaging, and our product offerings. We now feel qualified to increase our offerings and apply for grants, loans, and/or ask for help when needed."

- Program Graduate

What You’ll Learn

 
Product Development

Product Development

Identify and create value-added products that align with your farm or food business mission and market demand.
Storage & Distribution

Storage & Distribution

Craft a marketing plan, set pricing, and connect with your ideal customers.
A variety of jars on shelves, in the middle is a sign advertising that SNAP and EBT are both welcome
Food Safety & Compliance

Food Safety & Compliance

Navigate regulations, food labeling, and certifications needed to stay compliant.
Marketing & Sales Strategies

Marketing & Sales Strategies

Craft a marketing plan, set pricing, and connect with your ideal customers.
Business & Financial Planning

Business & Financial Planning

Develop a sustainable business model and explore funding opportunities.
Fresh bread with a slice cut off, in front of locally made pasta and sauce

Get Started Today! 

Take the first step in growing your local-food business. 

Enroll in a class today!

Explore Beyond Fresh Online Courses

Get updates: Subscribe to our Farm Business Newsletter to stay informed about future Beyond Fresh Program dates and other TCLF news.

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"The [Beyond Fresh Program] allowed me to focus on what is possible and determine the specific needs for storage and regulation for me to follow as I develop my product"."

- Program Graduate

Beyond Fresh Cohort Program

Support Farmers, Ranchers, and Food Entrepreneurs!

Use this comprehensive program as a key stepping stone for local food businesses to join the regional supply chain.
What We Offer

Cohort Program Overview

Duration

10 weeks, with 4 hours per week commitment

Format

Weekly independent study including completing practical worksheets and virtual Cohort Connection sessions

Direct Support

1:1, one-hour consultations with April Harrington, a local food processing expert

Reach out to Enroll Farmers in the Program

Program Benefits

Flexible Online Courses

Flexible Online Courses

Learn at your own pace with a self-paced curriculum through TXFED.org.
Expert Led Support

Expert Led Support

Join weekly cohort sessions and Q&A discussions with industry experts.
A variety of preserved goods on shelves, bundles of green onions in front
Community & Networking

Community & Networking

Connect with fellow producers and local food businesses.
Incentives for Completion

Incentives for Completion

Receive a Letter of Support to submit to loan and grant applications.

Beyond Fresh Cohort Process

Timeline showing the cohort process from start to finish. Organization supports cohort, students sign cohort guide committing to program, TCLF coordinated and facilitates program, participants complete the program, TCLF provides Business Readiness Assessments, participants apply for Business Builder Grants, and the organization selects grantees

Discover how your organization can offer this ready-to-use educational program to your clients—enroll a cohort today!

Learn More About Supporting a Beyond Fresh Cohort