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LSU AgCenter to hold MarketReady workshops

LSU AgCenter to hold MarketReady workshops
Writer: Rick Bogren at 225-578-5839 or rbogren@agcenter.lsu.edu (03/20/17) BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana farmers and fishermen will have an opportunity to learn how to market to local groceries, restaurants, schools and institutions during one-day workshops presented by the LSU AgCenter. “The MarketReady training workshops are an important tool for any producer in the agricultural field,” said LSU AgCenter extension associate Alessandro Holzapfel. The workshops will provide producers with marketing strategies and good business practices that are necessary in today’s business climate. “We are interested in meeting and working with producers of fruits, vegetables and other specialty crops. However, we also hope to see producers of meat and dairy products and fishermen at these events.” Holzapfel said. “Anyone who is interested in learning more about how to best go about selling their products in more ways than just the local farmers market should attend.” The training will include sessions focusing on communicating and building lasting relationships with buyers; business practices such as invoicing, insurance and delivery; and marketing strategies with a specific focus on pricing and packaging. Participants also will have the opportunity to interact with a panel of local buyers, such as chefs and grocers. “This allows attendees to ask questions and hear what buyers are looking for from the people they are hoping to do business with” said Carl Motsenbocker, professor of horticulture and sustainable agriculture in the LSU AgCenter School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences. Each workshop will begin with registration at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 3:30 p.m. Workshops are scheduled in Baton Rouge on March 28, Lafayette on April 13, Winnsboro on April 27, Monroe on April 28 and Hammond on May 4. Additional workshops are anticipated in Alexandria, New Orleans and Shreveport and will be announced later this year, Motsenbocker said. Admission to the MarketReady training is free, but participants are required to register online at the following sites: – Baton Rouge: https://marketreadybtr. eventbrite.com – Lafayette: https://marketreadylft. eventbrite.com – Winnsboro: https://marketreadywnr. eventbrite.com – Monroe: https://marketreadymlu. eventbrite.com – Hammond: https://marketreadyhdc. eventbrite.com More information is available from Motsenbocker at cmotsenbocker@agcenter.lsu.edu or Holzapfel at aholza1@lsu.edu.