Food safety is one of the greatest barriers, and now opportunities, for gaining entry to institutional and wholesale markets. In this workshop you’ll learn what food safety is and why it’s important. We’ll discuss risk factors and what growers should be aware of on the farm as well as critical points throughout the season for intervention. Do you know what traceback is and lot identification? Join us and review the materials here.
As you grow your business and attract more clients, how do you scale up? With the expansion of food hubs, local distributors and increased desire to “know your farmer”, opportunity abounds for the farmer desiring to make the leap from farm stand or farm market to institution. This workshop is tailored to work with farmers one-on-one to build a scaling and transition plan. This vast topic will be broken down into manageable chunks including: business plan, staffing, sales and transition. While there are many other components to successful scaling, this 101 session will help farmers think about the big picture and allow for a deeper dive into future topics such as finance and marketing. See the introductory "101 workshop" powerpoint materials here and download your business plan template.
In this workshop participants will have the chance to work one-on-one with a GreenStone Financial representative. Topics covered include: 1) What’s really in your business plan? 2) What is credit and why do I need a good score? 3) The loan process – what should you expect? and, 4) Budgeting and cash flows. See materials here.
Mock and Real-time Events
During this special event, we’re proud to partner with the Michigan Integrated Food & Farming System to: Learn how to pitch your product; Develop a go-to business “elevator speech”; Practice mock “meet the buyer” simulations, and then utilize these skills to actively engage with regional buyers who understand the value of purchasing local. See materials here.
Join us on November 10th at the Bavarian Inn for a regional buyer event, RSVP here. We also have mileage scholarships to the December Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo! Contact Kristine Ranger at kristine@knowledgenavigators.com for more information.
So, you’ve got the plan, you’ve got the practice and you’re empowered, how do you market your product? Here farmers will work with marketing experts to discuss their personal business branding as well as umbrella’ing under a larger label. Learn about free tools, services and resources to polish your image. Big thanks to our partners at Michigan Farm to Institution Network and The Local Grocer for sharing their expertise. See presentation materials here.
