STRATEGIC AND OPERATIONAL AGENDA TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE GROWTH IN THE DEVELOPING PAWPAW VALUE CHAIN

The over-arching goal of this project is to promote sustainable economic growth for the pawpaw value chain in OH and surrounding states. Outcomes are expected to strengthen participation of small-scale producers from unprivileged rural communities in a profitable and mature pawpaw industry, bringing economic development to historically deprived regions. The objectivesof this project are to:Develop a value chain governance strategy that will support sustainable growth of the pawpaw industry.Optimize pawpaw processing methods and pulp quality, using technology-relevant equipment available to small-scale farmersTransfer a strategic and operational agenda to the leading representative industry association, triggering tangible changes in stakeholders' behavior, and facilitating information sharing across value chain links.