Calling all farmers and food artisans! Taste the Possibilities: Adding Value to Your Ag Business, a workshop for farmers and food artisans interested in creating small-batch and artisanal “value-added” products with locally grown fruits and vegetables, takes place on Monday, November 3, 2014 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in the Showcase Cafe.

The workshop costs $15 with advance registration online and $25 at the door, space permitting.  Lunch is included as well as  light morning refreshments.

Attendees will learn about new and emerging opportunities including Cottage Foods and the Sonoma County code change facilitating small scale on-farm agriculture processing. The workshop will provide insights from local experts and practical information on sourcing local produce, using commercial kitchens and co-packing, permitting and regulations, and best practices in food safety, business planning, and marketing.

The workshop is offered as part of the “Opportunities in Ag Business” series presented by Sonoma County Department of Health Services (DHS) and the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) and is sponsored by American Ag Credit. It complements the work of the Sonoma County Food System Alliance and moves forward the goals of the Food Action Plan, the countywide vision for a vibrant local food system.

A special thanks to American Ag Credit for sponsoring this event.  Register now!

8:15 a.m. REGISTRATION AND LIGHT REFRESHMENTS
8:30 a.m. WELCOME

SUCCESS STORIES PANEL
Hear from local farmers and value-added producers about their successes,
challenges, and learnings.
GROWING THINGS
Learn about the best places to buy and sell locally-grown produce.
- Approved Produce Gardener Certificate program
- Farm Stands
- Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs)
- Farmers Markets
- Wholesale Markets
MAKING THINGS
Learn the ins and outs of making value-added products.
- Cottage Food Operations (CFOs)
- Commercial Kitchens
- Co-Packing
- Small Scale Ag Processing
BUSINESS PLANNING
Find out about the many resources to help you analyze market outlook, develop
a business plan, and obtain financing.
MARKETING & PROMOTION
Learn best practices in marketing and get your products onto retailers' shelves.
12:30 p.m. LUNCH
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS
Meet experts, ask questions, and share info in small group discussions with:
- Environmental Health
- Permit and Resource Management Department
- Agricultural Commissioner's Office
- Business Planners
- Marketing & Promotion
- Wholesale Produce Distributors
3:30 p.m. CLOSING
Ongoing RESOURCE FAIR/INFORMATION TABLES

REGISTER ONLINE!