Here’s the press release:
ASHEVILLE, NC (November 13, 2008) –Selling locally—it’s a solution for farmers seeking new buyers for their products. Learn how at the Marketing Opportunities for Farmers Conference on Saturday, February 28th at Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, NC. Offered by Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP), this sixth annual conference provides farmers with training and networking opportunities they need to sustain their farms in changing markets.
Workshops, ranging from the introductory Marketing Basics for the New Farmer to specialized topics such as Marketing Grass Fed Meats, Successful Tailgate Marketing in Rural Areas, and Successful Models of Cooperative Marketing, are about promoting farm products.
Other workshops focus selling to institutions and wholesale buyers, as well as broadening farmers’ direct sales to consumers. The conference covers ideas for increasing income sources including Extending Your Market Season and Opportunities in Value Added Products (such as jellies and sauces made from produce). Welcoming Visitors to Your Farm for Fun and Profit addresses tapping into the growing interest in agri-tourism.
Business workshops teach farmers how to use the QuickBooks accounting software and discuss options for financing farm enterprises. Regulatory Overview – Food and Farm Laws in NC and Produce Safety – The GAPS Certification clarify common concerns of farmers.
Workshops are taught by fellow farmers, agriculture professionals, and marketing specialists.
Farmers and those seriously considering farming as a profession should attend. Potential buyers of locally-grown goods are also invited to attend the full conference, or come to network for no charge. Opportunities for farmer/buyer meetings are planned.
The cost for the conference is $30, or $40 per two farm partners if you register before February 1st. The cost is $35, or $50 per two farm partners beginning February 1. Price includes light breakfast, local foods lunch, and resource notebook.
For more information or to register, visit http://www.asapconnections.org/MOFF.html or call (828) 236-1282.