FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 21, 2022
CONTACT: Cassidy Dellorto-Blackwell
PHONE: 217-840-2128
EMAIL: [email protected]
GROW YOUR FARM BUSINESS!
Accessing New Markets Through Distribution
Join us for an intensive workshop to guide small produce farmers
in working with distributors to reach new customers
(Champaign, IL) The demand for local foods isn’t going away – it’s growing, and shoppers want to be able to access local products wherever they do their shopping. Luckily, selling your product into the wholesale market doesn’t just make things more convenient for the consumer, but can also increase your efficiencies and flexibility on the farm.
The Land Connection, with support from USDA/NIFA and North Central Extension Risk Management Education (ERME), has teamed up with local farmers and distributors to break down how specialty crop (fruit and vegetable) growers can work with food distributors to reach more end markets. Join us on Monday, May 9 at PrairiErth Farm in Atlanta, IL for an all-day intensive workshop where we’ll work through why, when, and how to work with distributors.
We’ll learn from distribution partners Jim Carbine, former CEO of Local Foods, and Alex Frantz, Director of Local & Sustainability at Midwest Foods, as they explain why distributors do what they do and how you can use them to achieve your goals. Jim and Alex will be joined by local farmers who will share what they’ve learned from years of working with distributors.
We’ll discuss,
- Understanding your cost of production
- Margin vs. Mark-up vs. Profit
- Situating distributors within the value chain
- How to identify the right distribution partner for your operation
- Mechanics of working with distributors (packing & grading; storage & handling)
- Maintaining your brand identity and preserving your unique story
- Certifications and how they can support your pricing strategy
- Safety regulations and records
This workshop was designed for fruit and vegetable producers with several years of experience who are seeking new retail relationships for their business. The cost to attend is $75 and includes lunch. To learn more and register, visit: https://www.thelandconnection.org/event/distribution-wksp/. If you have questions, please contact Cassidy at 217-840-2128 or [email protected].
The Land Connection is an agricultural support nonprofit organization providing training, resources, and direct service to farmers, businesses, and eaters throughout the state so that we may all have access to nutritious, responsibly-raised foods and that our communities and all of their members can thrive.
This material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2018-70027-28586.
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