Please note that you must pre-register for this event by Wed Apr 23. The event is Thur Apr 24 from 9-4:30 and the cost is $10/pp

Ingham County MSU Extension. To register call 517-676-7207 or email:   [log in to unmask]

Presents:"Marketing Your Produce"

April 2 4 , 2008 , 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Hilliard Bldg., 121 E. Maple Street, Mason Conference Room A

Cost: $10

Demand for locally grown fruits and vegetables is greater than the number of growers in the area. Eat

local movements, concerns for food safety, distance food travels from farm to market, economic development

and food quality are all driving consumers to seek locally produced food. This program is designed

to help large, small and prospective growers to identify and take advantage of area marketing options.

9:15

Farmers Markets

Speaker: Susan Smalley, CARRS Director

Overview of area market including, histories,

need for growers and crops, rules and policies,

hours of operation, market set-up, traffic

information, etc.

10:15

Is U-pick still an option?

Speaker Mark Longstroth,, MSUE Educator

Review of area u-pick growers and crops,

trends, and details such as liability insurance,

harvesting and storage, labor, and advertising.

11:15

Selling to Chain Stores and Local Independent

Growers:

Speaker: Matthew Birbeck, MSU Product

Development Center

What hoops do you have to jump through in

order to sell to Meijer, Spartan stores or the local

small groceries. Issues such as quality, volume,

packaging, pricing and payment will be discussed.

LUNCH

1:00

Learn More About...Roadside Stands-

Speaker: Ron Goldy, MSUE Educator

Before setting up a roadside

stand, there are a few things that

need to be considered such as local

ordinances, traffic flowing, parking,

hazards, signs, displays, etc.

2:00

Advanced Order Sales

Speaker: Gary Heilig, MSUE Educator

The Florida citrus model. Keeping

customers informed, internet

based ordering, quality and shipping

issues.

2:30

Developing and Marketing

Value Added Products

Speaker George Silva, MSUE Educator

From simply produce to a product

of increased value. Assistance

from MSU and marketing options

Phone: 517-676-7207

Fax: 517-676-7288

E-mail: [log in to unmask]

Ingham County MSU EXTENSION

121 E. Maple Street

P O Box 319

Mason, MI 48854

 

Vicki Morrone

Organic Vegetable and Crop Outreach Specialist

Michigan State University

C.S. Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems

303 Natural Resources Bldg.

East Lansing, MI 48824

517-353-3542

517-282-3557 (cell)

517-353-3834 (fax)

For information on organic agriculture production please visit: http://www.MichiganOrganic.msu.edu/

P Please consider the environment before printing this email