MarketReady training to be offered at 2017 Indiana Hort Congress

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Farmers can learn how to market their products to institutional markets such as schools, hospitals, restaurants and grocery stores in a Purdue Extension workshop at the 2017 Indiana Horticulture Congress.

The MarketReady Producer Training Program will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Jan. 12 at the Indianapolis Marriott East Hotel, 7202 E. 21st St., Indianapolis. The MarketReady program was developed by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service to help producers expand their customer base.

“Anyone who wants to improve their sales skills is encouraged to attend,” said Roy Ballard, Purdue Extension educator in Hancock County and one of the workshop organizers. “While the Horticulture Congress has traditionally focused on fruits and vegetables, producers of beef, pork, lamb, fish, honey and even related value-added products are welcome and will find useful information in the discussions.”

Timothy Woods, Extension professor of agricultural economics at the University of Kentucky, will discuss key business functions involved in working with institutional buyers, including packaging, pricing, supply, insurance and quality assurance. The afternoon session will cover direct selling to local school systems.

Participants may attend a working lunch with a panel of buyers who will discuss the Indiana State Department of Agriculture Indiana Grown program and other resources from state and federal agencies. Registration for the lunch is $20.

The MarketReady program is part of the Indiana Horticulture Congress and Trade Show, an annual Purdue Extension conference designed to help commercial and private growers network and learn about the latest news in production practices, pest control, food safety and other topics.

Registration for the full conference is $100 and $75 for each additional participant from the same company. Registration for one day is $70 and $55 for additional participants from the same company. To register online, go to http://bit.ly/INHortReg.

For more information about the MarketReady program, contact Ballard at 317-462-1113 or rballard@purdue.edu.           

Writer: Jessica Merzdorf, 765-494-7719, jmerzdor@purdue.edu

Source: Roy Ballard, 317-462-1113, rballard@purdue.edu

Agricultural Communications: (765) 494-8415;
Darrin Pack, dpack@purdue.edu 
Agriculture News Page