Selling Directly to Consumers Workshop

Have you ever wondered why consumers purchase from one farmers' market vendor over another? Have you thought about trying to sell to a restaurant but weren't quite sure how to get your foot in the door? Come to this workshop to find out:

• What qualities make produce taste great and look visually appealing

• Be able to use a counselor approach to selling your local products successfully

• Understand how to merchandize your product at farmers' markets

• Describe the importance of correct post-harvest handling procedures

• Employ basic food safety techniques for your farm

• Tour a local farmers’ market with a chef

The "Selling Directly to Consumers" Workshop will be held Aug 3, 2011 at Concordia Lutheran Church, 7291 Sarah Street, St. Louis, MO from 3:00 pm ends at 8:30 pm.

Agenda

3:00 pm - Registration

3:30 pm - Welcome and Introductions

3:50 pm - Explore the Midweek Farmers’ Market

4:20 pm - Return to sessions

4:25 pm - Discussion of the Farmers’ Market Tour

4:35 pm - Evaluating Direct Market Channels – which one works best for you?

5:10 pm - Flavors of Local Food – What are Customers Looking for?

6:00 pm - Post-Harvest Handling and Food Safety – What Do You Need to Know?

6:45 pm - Successful Sales Strategies for Local Foods

7:30 pm - Merchandizing Your Products Successfully

8:15 pm - Conscious Closing, Evaluations

The cost for the "Selling Direct to Consumers" Workshop is $25/person. Registration includes speaker materials and a heavy hors d'oeuvres prepared by a local foods chef who will be the guest speaker for the workshop.  
 
To download the registration form click here.  For any additional questions you may have, contact Sharon Naylor at 573-882-3776/ NaylorS@missouri.edu. Registration is limited to 30 participants. Walk-ins accepted with cost of $30 and no food guaranteed.