BOOK PROPOSALS

- HERB & SPICE TRADE -

COMPUTERS ON THE FARM - This is a how-to book on what a farmer or rural agricultural venture needs in terms of hardware, software, and capability in the use of a modem. This includes chapters on such aspects as the AUTOEXEC.BAT AND CONFIG.SYS files. A special chapter is devoted to resources available when using a computer. It is now stated that in 5 years, if you are not using a computer, you will not be on a small farm.

SUCCESSFUL FARM VENTURES - 15 chapters of diverse success stories of herb and spice farming and foraging ventures. Each looks at how they were successful and explores marketing on a deeper level. Photos demonstrate layout of on-farm manufacturing, buying stations for rural crops (like mushrooms), and other important new farm machinery for niche marketing.

FOREST FARMING - 18 chapters on specific crops which can be farmed in the forest. Special emphasis has been placed on those areas hard-hit by Spotted Owl legislation. Each region of North America (including Canada) has crop lists which are cultivated and handled similarly to those discussed in the book. This is a new concept for agriculture and re-visoning forest resources.

HERB & SPICE CROPS FOR THE NORTHWEST - Technical crop reports have been prepared for more than 300 different crops. At least 12 different crops could be used for each title (region of North America), including regional resource and support networks for that region. This would include Dialog computer searches for updated USDA/Foreign references.

- SOUTHWEST
- MIDWEST
- NORTHEAST
- SOUTH

- HAWAII
- CANADA

THE ECONOMICS OF HEMP CULTIVATION FOR PAPER - Co-authored with Chuck Walters, Publisher of ACRES, USA. Now have endorsement of this title from three Governors (KS, KT, and TN). The book does not address the political or emotional issues, but sticks to the economics and benefits of such programs for Midwestern states. Several chapters address other products (sail-cloth, rope, etc.) and their economic importance.

FOREST FARMING THE MATSUTAKI MUSHROOM - Current world markets for this crop exceed $1.6 Billion at the most important mushroom. It can not be cultivated, and the U.S. holds only 3% of world market shares. This book addresses how this mushroom can be farmed in the forest for "enhanced" yields, and continued production. Very important cash crop, with U.S. markets wanting to be 20% of world production.

TECHNIQUES OF BULK DEHYDRATION - Includes chapters on forced hot-air dryers, microwave techniques, freeze-dried processes. It would include foods, field crops, and manufactured fruits. How to build these units for home and field production would include "Popular Mechanics"-type drawings.

THE PROCESSING & PACKAGING OF HERBS & SPICES - This book focuses on specific aspects of machinery, and how to lay out a centralized processing facility. What kinds of machinery are used to do what with the herb and spice trade. Diagrams would include how the herbs should be moved through the various processes in a warehouse - including the paper trail.

SMALL FARM ACCOUNTING AND BOOKKEEPING REQUIREMENTS - (or "How Anal I Really Am") - Sellf-explanatory with step-buy-step procedures, including taxes. A computer flow-chart for herbs, networking, and access to specific databases. It would include software.

COTTAGE INDUSTRIES FOR HERBS & SPICES - This book would include direct marketing and such manufactured/marketed products as herbal salves and teas. The focus is on how to put a business plan together (by example). It would be a how-to book with formulas, cost break-downs and marketing requirements. How to locate a distributor, including how to warehouse for the mass market and mail-order.

HOW TO OWN AND OPERATE A RETAIL HERB & SPICE TEA STORE - How to set up a deli or coffee house. I have owned and operated six at one time, and have business plans for vitamin stores and other specialty market stores for mall situations. Retail stores for mall situations to rural co-ops could be discussed, including buying clubs.    

Books already in print on this and related topics:

THE POTENTIAL OF HERBS AS A CASH CROP -

NATIVE PLANTS OF COMMERCIAL IMPORTANCE -

THE HERB MARKET REPORT - 10 Year of Monthly Newsletters to the Farmer/Forager


RE: BOOK PROPOSAL FOR FRED WALTERS

PRACTICAL FARMS PLANS

FOR

HERBS AS A CASH CROP

by

Richard Alan Miller
author of
THE POTENTIAL OF HERBS AS A CASH CROP

Chapter 1 Economic Outlooks for Herbs and Spices forthe next Century

Chapter 2 Some "Dos" and "Don’ts" for preparing markets

Chapter 3 Processing Facility for Botanical Cash Crops

Chapter 4 Typical Farm Plan for the NORTHWEST

Chapter 5 Typical Farm Plan for the SOUTHWEST

Chapter 6 Typical Farm Plan for the MIDWEST

Chapter 7 Typical Farm Plan for the NORTHEAST

Chapter 8 Typical Farm Plan for the SOUTH

Chapter 9 Typical Farm Plan for the HAWAII

Chapter 10 Typical Farm Plan for the CANADA

Chapter 11 Specific Cottage Industry Examples

Chapter 11/alternative: Forest Farming, with Examples

Appendix A: Seed Resources

Appendix B: Machinery Resources

Appendix:C: Marketing Resources

Appendix D: Other Important Resources

Appendix E: Typical Techincal Crop Report

Appendix

Bibliography and Suggested Reading

Promotions:

Technical Crop Reports - monographs

Video and Audio tapes - by subjects and seminar dates

Computer software Farm Plan Projections

Seed Sources

Crop Selections

Home Page design and layout

Other books and Resources

Internet setup and uses

Outside Consulting for crop selection, farm practices, harvest techniques,and

marketing/brokering/contract development.

Update 07-23-03

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