How flexible are you on expanding the current product list?

Yes, we are very interested in expanding our offerings, so please don’t hesitate to share ideas.

Can you modify current recipes if a farmer wants to add another ingredient?

Yes, but SOME altered recipes will need to be re-submitted to a process authority for approval, which could take a month or two, sometimes less. Please reach out with questions about specific recipes and ideas.

Are you willing to work with farmers who might want to develop their OWN recipes/products?

Yes, we are very interested in doing so. These projects generally have a longer timeline, so please reach out during the winter to start the conversation.

How are the different vegetables cut for the pickles?

All are sliced.

Do you require vegetables to be standard/uniform size and shape?

While we don’t have explicit size/shape requirements, we do ask that farmers do their best to provide “firsts,” as seconds can be difficult to process with some of our equipment. We are happy to discuss on a case by case basis.

For radishes can it be a mix of different types of radishes or only a single variety?

This shouldn’t be a problem. Please discuss with staff before sending.

Is it possible for smaller farms to collaborate and combine their quantities in order to meet the minimum run quantities?

Definitely, as long as both farms can coordinate delivery within the same time frame. We are also happy to help coordinate.

Are you willing and able to work with different container sizes?

For the time being, we are only sourcing 16oz (pint) jars for these value-added products. If we get enough demand for items like hot sauce and apple butter, we may consider sourcing 8oz for those. For other items, like whole crushed tomatoes, you are welcome to source your own jars if you want to go larger.

Can farmers provide their own jars?

Yes, but they (and their lid) will need to meet specific criteria to ensure they are compatible with our high-speed labeler and filling equipment.

Is the plastisol-lined lid you provide BPA free?

Yes.

Is the WMFPC able to make organic products?

Yes, all can be made organic.

Can farms have their logo on the label?

Farms have three options:

• Use our label, which will have our logo, your logo and your farm identified on the principal display panel.
• Use you own label (you print and provide us a roll well in advance of production, based on our specs)
• You send us the files (logo and language) to make a simple white label with all your info). There will be a slight upcharge for the design work.

If a farm prints and supplies their own label (according to WMFPC specs) does the cost per unit go down?

No. Cost is artificially low, as we are giving ourselves a bit of free marketing.

Do ingredients have to be listed on the label?

Yes, required by law.

Is it a requirement to have the nutritional facts on the label?

No. You will only have to include these once you reach 50k in food sales or if a buyer asks for it (ie. whole foods).

What are your produce cleanliness standards? Do you wash all the produce before processing?

All produce washed in paracetic acid solution prior to blanching and freezing. The WMFPC maintains strict Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Sanitation Operating Procedures (SSOPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Recall Plans, Food Defense Plans and Emergency Actions plans, all of which ensure food safety and product quality.

Do you sometimes reject produce for being too dirty?

Unprecedented, but possible.

Are samples available?

Yes, for some products. Call us with questions.

What are your scheduling lead times and how flexible are you?

As discussed, late summer and fall are very busy, but we are going to do our best to offer flexible scheduling for the farmer value add program.

Is your winter scheduling more flexible?

Yes!

Is there funding available?

There is funding for food and farm business available via the PVGrows Investment Fund. More info here.

There is also funding through CISA. More info here.