Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
8/16/00
Contacts:
Diane Mayerfeld, Department of Agronomy, (515) 294-1923
Julie Todd, Extension Communication Systems, (515)
294-2405
Attend the Direct Marketing Workshop
AMES, Iowa - For information on selling farm products directly to consumers, attend the workshop "Legal and Business Issues in Direct Farm Marketing." This workshop on Friday, Sept. 8, 2000, is sponsored by the Iowa State University Extension Sustainable Agriculture Program.
The workshop will be held at the Iowa Arboretum (west of Luther) from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. With a limit of 50 participants, the format will be interactive, offering opportunities to discuss questions with regulators, lawyers and experienced marketers.
Neil Hamilton, director of the Drake University Agricultural Law Center and author of "The Legal Guide for Direct Farm Marketing," is the principal presenter. Other presenters include farmers experienced in direct marketing, experts from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship on regulations on the handling and sale of meat and on organic certification, and extension specialists.
Each workshop participant will receive a copy of Hamilton's guide as well as other publications on direct marketing from ISU Extension and USDA.
In this time of unstable and low commodity prices, alternative marketing can help farmers boost their income. "Sales at farmers' markets, to restaurants, through community supported agriculture groups and other forms of direct marketing are really taking off in Iowa. However, as farmers become involved in direct marketing, they need to be aware of the special regulations and legal considerations that apply," said Jerry DeWitt, special assistant to the director of agriculture and natural resources extension at ISU.
Gary Huber, with the Practical Farmers of Iowa's Field to Family project, works to connect farmers with chefs looking to use locally raised foods. "Marketing food directly in this way is a new venture, and both sides - chefs and farmers - have a lot of questions about the legal issues. This workshop will help answer those questions," Huber said.
There is a $10 registration fee for this workshop to help cover materials and lunch. Preregistration is required. Please register by Sept. 1. Contact Diane Mayerfeld at (515) 294-1923 or dmayerfe@iastate.edu to register or with questions.
This workshop is funded under a grant from the North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SARE).
ml: isufarm
Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.