Farmers Conference to Help Growers Find Customers

Staff Reports

Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project’s seventh annual Marketing Opportunities for Farmers Conference will be held on February 27, 2010 at Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, NC. The conference supports farmers’ efforts to tap into the growing interest in local food.

In the new global economy, it’s hard for local family farmers to stay in business if they sell only to wholesale markets. Each year, more farmers try new strategies such as vending at farmers markets, selling to local chefs and grocers, and working with distributors and institutional buyers such as schools and hospitals in their own communities. Farmers who have succeeded in these diverse markets, as well as chefs, grocers, and distributors interested in local purchasing, will share their knowledge and network at the conference.

“The local food market is very promising for family farmers, but it’s a
complex business enterprise,” says Peter Marks of Appalachian
Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP). “ASAP offers this conference to
help farmers think like entrepreneurs.” Workshops will address topics
such as farm business planning, Quickbooks accounting software, and
promotional strategies. 

Farmers, those seriously interested in farming, food buyers, and
high-school-age FFA students are invited to attend the full day of
networking and training. Potential buyers of locally grown goods are
also invited to attend the full conference, or come to network at lunch
for no charge. Opportunities for farmer/buyer meetings are planned.

The cost for the conference is $35, or $50 per two farm partners.
Price includes light breakfast, local foods lunch, and a resource
notebook. Scholarships for FFA students, families of former tobacco
growers, and those with financial need are available.

For more information or to register, visit
www.asapconnections.org/MOFF2010.html or call (828) 236-1282. The
conference has often sold out, so register early.

ASAP is helping to rebuild the local economy, preserve rural land and heritage, encourage sustainable agricultural practices, and increase access to fresher, healthier foods. We work to keep farmers farming and to reconnect people with their food. We involve businesses, shoppers, chefs, children, seniors, healthcare providers, teachers, and all community members in the local food movement.

The Marketing Opportunities for Farmers Conference is made possible by support from the USDA Risk Management Agency, Greenlife Grocery, Carolina Farm Credit, and other funders.