ASAP Marketing Opportunities for Farmers Conference

Submitted by Karen on Tue, 2009-01-27 12:54.

Saturday, 2/28: ASAP Marketing Opportunities for Farmers Conference

Training and networking for farmers who want to grow their business by growing for local markets

Farmers who get to know the needs of local customers and buyers can thrive, given the right business and marketing skills. Join the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP), local farmers, agriculture professionals, and marketing specialists for a day-long conference on marketing. For serious farmers, those seriously interested in farming, food buyers, and high school age FFA students .

Potential buyers of locally-grown goods can attend the full conference, or attend at no charge for networking only. (Call 828-236-1282 for information on attending at no charge.)

Offerings:

  • 1.5-hour sessions to allow time for questions and discussion
  • Scheduled brief one-on-one meetings to get to know buyers
  • More of our popular farm business planning content

Conference cost:
Special Reduced Rates for Early Registration before February 1: $30 per person for one or $40 per two farm partners.

Rate begining February 1: $35 per person or $50 per two farm partners.

The price includes a light breakfast, lunch of locally-grown food, and resource notebook.

FFA students: ASAP is offering you scholarships.

Scholarships for those with financial need are available as well. (Call ASAP at 828-236-1282.)

The conference site has space for about 200 people and some years it has sold out. Preregister to guarantee a spot and a lunch.

Register here: asapconnections.org/moffform.html

Saturday, February 28, 2009 - Warren Wilson College - Swannanoa, NC - Workshop Topics

Trainings by fellow farmers, agriculture professionals, and marketing specialists include:

  • Welcoming Visitors to Your Farm for Fun and Profit
  • Marketing Basics for the New Farmer
  • Opportunities in Value Added Products
  • Successful Models of Cooperative Marketing
  • QuickBooks for Farmers
  • Regulatory Overview - Food and Farm Laws in NC
  • Selling to Wholesale Buyers
  • Successful Tailgate Marketing in Rural Areas
  • Produce Safety - The GAPS Certification
  • Extending Your Market Season
  • Financing Your Farm Enterprise
  • Marketing Grass Fed Meats
  • Selling to Institutions

Lunch will include demonstration/learning sessions at Warren Wilson Farm and Garden and opportunities for farmers and buyers to meet.