Introduction
The Florida Specialty Crop Foundation (FSCF) enlisted the PIE Center to help set the course for its 2011-2014 strategic plan. The PIE Center conducted a strategic planning workshop that included revising the organization’s mission and vision statements, identifying goals, action steps and measures of success for the upcoming four-year plan. The PIE Center and FSCF’s Board of Directors analyzed the foundation by examining its strengths and opportunities for improvement.
Key findings
While reviewing the previous strategic plan, the FSCF Board of Directors proposed to modify the foundation’s mission and vision statements for clarity and brevity. The directors originally developed two vision statements to reflect interest in sustainable and economically viable crop production but decided to merge the two statements into one.
The Board of Directors also chose four strategic goals. The directors identified research and education initiatives as major contributions to long-term sustainability of specialty crop producers. To enact these initiatives, FSCF will develop alliances with industry stakeholders, be a catalyst to develop research partnerships and develop educational programming about research to show to growers.
To be financially secure and independent, the FSCF board established fiscal goals. In addition to expanding the scope of the foundation’s grant-writing efforts, the directors want to increase direct public fundraising to $125,000 in 2011 and $175,000 by 2012, as well as securing $250,000 in grants.
Additionally, FSCF board members want to engage youth working in the specialty crop industry or interested in pursuing careers in agriculture. FSCF planned to expand its scholarship fund and strengthen partnerships with organizations such as Florida Agriculture in the Classroom, Future Farmers of America and 4-H. The directors also wanted to create a partnership program that would pair organizations with young professionals, such as the Florida Ag Hall of Fame mentor program.
In order to increase awareness of the foundation’s goals, activities and accomplishments, FSCF planned to develop a media communications plan and promotional materials. By identifying target audiences and consistent key messages, the Board of Directors sought to develop a stronger relationship with its membership and other agricultural organizations.
