Business and Market Planning
for Farmers' Markets
A workshop for farmers who sell through
farmers' markets, for farmers' market managers, and for other direct farm
marketers.
Sponsored by Michigan State University and supported by a USDA Risk
Management Agency agreement, the program will help participants
*
Understand customers' purchasing behaviors
*
Fine-tune business goals for your direct farm marketing operation
* Evaluate
potential for organic, pasture-based or other certified farming systems
to differentiate your product
*
Determine break-even points and profitability of individual items and
product groups
* Identify
risks and compare options to address them
* Learn
more about the new Michigan Farmers' Market Association
Taught by Dr. Susan Smalley, Extension Specialist for sustainable
food and farming systems, and Dr. Barb Fails,
Assistant Director for educational programs at the MSU Product Center,
the program will include resource materials for participants to take
home. Choose from four4 locations around the state. Each is from
9am to 4pm.
Thursday, Nov. 16
Frankenmuth, Bavarian Inn Restaurant, 713 S. Main St.
Friday, Nov. 17 Kalamazoo, Western Michigan University, Fetzer
Center
Monday, Nov. 20 Royal Oak, Royal Oak FarmersMarket, 316 East 11 Mile
Rd.
Tuesday, Nov. 21 Traverse City, Waterfront Conference Center, 2061 US 31
North
To register: The advance
registration fee of $25 covers your lunch and refreshments. Return
the attached registration form by mail, with payment, to
Lanea Miller
MSU Product Center
80 Agriculture Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824
For more information: Contact Lanea Miller at 517-432-4608
or [log in to unmask]
Susan B. Smalley, Ph.D.
Extension Specialist
C.S. Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems at
Michigan State University
Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource
Studies (CARRS)
303 Natural Resources Building
East Lansing, MI 48824-1222
[log in to unmask]
517.432.0049 voice
517.353.3834 fax