Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture
10-11-06

Contacts: Rich Pirog, (515) 294-1854 [log in to unmask]; or Laura Miller, (515) 294-5272, [log in to unmask]

LEOPOLD CENTER WORKSHOP FEATURES RESOURCES FOR FARMER-LED BUSINESSES

AMES, Iowa -- The latest research on the economics of alternative and organic enterprises, consumer demand for natural and organic meat, and other emerging business opportunities for farmers will be presented November 6 at a no-cost workshop hosted by the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture.

The day-long event will feature presentations on more than 30 projects currently funded by the Center's Marketing and Food Systems Initiative and the Value Chain Partnerships for a Sustainable Agriculture project (also coordinated by the Leopold Center). The workshop will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Gateway Conference Center and Hotel in Ames.

"The Iowa projects we have supported are truly on the cutting edge of new market strategies for food and fiber enterprises," said Rich Pirog, who leads the Center's Marketing and Food Systems Initiative. "The tools and research findings from these projects can be used to help farmer-led businesses succeed."

Headlining the workshop will be reports from four working groups that target niche markets for pork, organic flax, local and regional foods, and crops for renewable energy and fiber production. Several concurrent sessions that follow will highlight results and updates for active projects. Topics include:
* Consumer market research;
* Challenges in selling to direct, retail and institutional food markets;
* Natural and organic meat production and quality management;
* Tools to help farmers succeed in niche markets;
* Linking community-based food systems with health and economic development;
* Economic impacts and implications of local/regional food, fiber and energy enterprises;
* Place-based foods and new food entrepreneurs;
* Community supported and local food enterprises; and
* Business planning programs for entrepreneurs and farmers.

The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required by November 2 to ensure a lunch ticket. For more information, contact Pirog at [log in to unmask] A detailed agenda and registration are on-line at: www.leopold.iastate.edu/workshop.htm.
 
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