By Blake Jackson
The Missouri Agriculture, Food and Forestry Innovation Center (MAFFIC) is empowering value-added agricultural producers with a series of in-person workshops this fall.
These events cater to both new and experienced producers, offering practical tools and insights to navigate the competitive market.
"MAFFIC's goal is to empower producers to add value to their ag products," says Mallory Rahe, MAFFIC director and University of Missouri associate extension professor. "By offering events specifically designed to address common challenges in value-added agricultural business, we can help producers thrive in a competitive market.”
The workshops cover a range of topics relevant to value-added agriculture:
Boost Your Brand (Oct. 9, Columbia): Dive deep into marketing strategies with MAFFIC experts and Corrina Smith, executive director of the Columbia Farmers Market. Interactive sessions will guide participants in developing key messages, identifying target customers, and implementing effective marketing techniques.
Strategies To Add Value and Expand Reach on Your Farm (Nov. 14, Springfield & Nov. 21, Joplin): These workshops focus on business planning, marketing, navigating regulations, and learning from successful value-added producers. The Joplin event is co-sponsored by the Joplin Empire Market.
Taste of Northwest Agriculture Market (Nov. 16, Maryville): This interactive market allows producers to showcase their value-added products during Northwest Missouri State University's annual Celebrate Agriculture Week. Customers can discover new favorites and support local farms.
Strategies To Add Value and Expand Reach on Your Farm (Dec. 5, Knob Noster): Held at Simple Blessings Farm, this workshop explores business planning, marketing, and considerations for scaling up a value-added agriculture business. Participants will also benefit from networking opportunities with other producers.
“Producers will walk away with practical tools and completed deliverables that they can implement in their own businesses,” said MAFFIC business counselor and MU Extension agricultural business specialist Jennifer Lutes, who organized the Joplin event. “They can also take advantage of networking opportunities with other producers, which has incredible value.”
For more information and registration details, visit the MAFFIC website: https://missouriaginnovation.com/events/.
These workshops are supported by the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority and grant funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development agency.
Photo Credit: university-of-missouri
Categories: Missouri, Business