Workshops Link Local Food Producers, Retailers and Farmers
Contact: Andrew Files, Dept. of Resource Economics and Policy, 207-581-3108, andrew.files@umit.maine.edu
ORONO–University of Maine researchers will host a series of workshops in December and January on creating networks to improve community marketing of locally grown foods. In eight workshops throughout the state, they will meet with farmers, food producers and retailers to discuss opportunities to make local foods more available to consumers.
Researchers are working with support from a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant. One of their goals is to identify up to four groups that can benefit from technical assistance through UMaine Cooperative Extension and the Small Business Development Centers of Maine.
Their work proceeds as a state Task Force on Local Agriculture Development continues its efforts to enhance economic development through support for local agriculture.
Farmers, food producers and retailers are welcome to attend the sessions that are free and open to the public. No pre-registration is required. More information is available from Andrew Files, associate scientist in the UMaine Dept. of Resource Economics and Policy, at 207-581-3108.
The date, time and location of the eight workshops are as follows:
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Thursday, December 2, 2004 — 9:00 a.m. to Noon
The Blue Bird Ranch Restaurant, Machias -
Thursday, December 9, 2004 — 9:00 a.m. to Noon
Caribou Inn and Convention Center, Caribou -
Tuesday, December 14, 2004 — 9:00 a.m. to Noon
Buxton Town Office, Buxton -
Friday, December 17, 2004 — 9:00 a.m. to Noon
Oxford County UMaine Cooperative Extension Office, Oxford -
Thursday, January 6, 2005 — 9:00 a.m. to Noon
Somerset County UMaine Cooperative Extension Office, Skowhegan -
Friday, January 7, 2005 — 9:00 a.m. to Noon
Penquis Higher Education Center, 50 Mayo Street, Dover-Foxcroft -
Thursday, January 20, 2005 — 9:00 a.m. to Noon
Hutchinson Center, Room 105, Belfast -
Thursday, January 27, 2005 — 9:00 a.m. to Noon
Damariscotta Fire Station, Damariscotta