The 2010 conference has already taken place.
Check back here for information on the 2011 conference.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Warren Wilson
College
Swannanoa, NC
Training and networking for farmers who want to grow their business by growing for local markets
Farmers who get to know the needs of local customers and buyers can thrive, given the right business and marketing skills. Join the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP), local farmers, agriculture professionals, and marketing specialists for a day-long conference on marketing. For serious farmers, those seriously interested in farming, food buyers, and high school age
FFA students.
Potential buyers of locally-grown goods can
attend the full conference, or attend the lunch at no charge for networking only. (Contact Megan for information on attending for networking at no charge.)
Download a flyer for the conference (PDF).
Offerings:
- 1.5-hour sessions to allow time for questions and discussion
- Scheduled brief one-on-one meetings to get to know buyers
- More of our popular farm business planning content
Conference cost:
Registration costs $35 per person or $50 per two farm partners.
The price includes a light breakfast, lunch of locally-grown food, and resource notebook. Farm partners will receive one resource notebook to share.
Scholarships:
FFA students:
Read more about ASAP's scholarships for you here.
Former tobacco growers in Buncombe or Madison including people whose
parents or grandparents grew tobacco and people who have another job in
addition to farming: A-B Tech’s Project Skill-Up is offering 20 full scholarships. (You may also be able to request a partial scholarship, gas money, or other types of assistance depending on your needs.). To apply contact, Maureen MacNamara at 828-254-1921 ext. 5832 or
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.
Those with financial need: Contact Brook.
Registration:
* The conference sold out. Registration is closed.*
Workshop Topics
Types of Agritourism Enterprises
Beginning Quickbooks
Farm to Table: Selling to Local Restaurants
Farm to Institution: Marketing Strategies, Crop Selection, and Economics
Farm Marketing Stories from AgOptions Recipients
Farm Promotions and What they Cost
Partnering with Your Local Travel & Tourism Department to Promote Your Farm
Quickbooks: Problem Solving Forum
Sell More! Tailgate Market Basics
Growing a Farming Business Plan: Part 1
CSA Marketing Models, Large and Small
Growing a Farming Business Plan: Part 2
Farmers Tailgate Market Management
Farm to Grocer: Marketing Strategies and Rising Food Safety Issues
A Strategic Plan for Reviving Heirloom Apple Diversity in Appalachia
Supply and Demand for Local Food: A Moderated Audience-Led Discussion
Conference Schedule
8:00 AM - 8:40 AM - Sign-in and Breakfast (Cannon Lounge)
8:40 AM - 9:20 AM - Opening Comments
9:45 AM - 11:20 AM – Workshop Session 1
11:45– 1:15 PM Local Food Lunch
Demonstration sessions outdoors at Warren Wilson:
To be determined.
Visit displays and networking in Canon Lounge
1:30 PM - 3:05 PM Workshop Session 2
3:05 PM- 3:30 PM Break (beverages and snack served in Jensen)
3:30- 5:05 PM Workshop Session 3
Directions, Map, and Accomodations
Directions to and map of Warren Wilson College and conference location.
These are the closest accommodations:
Holiday Inn - Biltmore East at Blue Ridge Parkway - 828-298-5611
Motel 6 - 828-299-3040
Days Inn - 828-298-4000
Super 8 - 828-298-7952
Most
of Asheville is within 15-20 minutes of the conference site, and Asheville has more than 6000 hotel rooms. So, there is no need to restrict
yourself to these four choices.
The following establishments are within 30 minutes of Asheville. You'll find additional options in the B&B's/Farm Lodging section of ASAP's Local Food Guide.
Being 30 minutes from Asheville, some may be 40 minutes from the
conference site. Some are rural and may be hard to access in inclement
weather, so ask the farmer/innkeeper if you have concerns about travel
distances.
Cloud 9 Relaxation Home
Mountain Valley Rock House at Dogwood Hills Farm
Hawk and Ivy Bed and Breakfast
Highland Lake Inn
Inn on Main Street
Princess Anne Hotel
Wildfire
Cottage
Exhibitors
If your organization provides services to farmers, the conference is a great opportunity to get the word out. To set up a display or booth at the conference, contact Brook by February 1st. Space is limited.
Sponsors
Want to be a conference sponsor?
If you would like to sponsor ASAP's 2010 Marketing Opportunities for Farmers Conference,
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to discuss your options. Your organization or business will receive publicity on conference materials.
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