PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and RI Food Policy Council (RIFPC) will host an informational workshop on wholesale and institutional marketing for farmers and local food producers next week. Participants will learn how to evaluate and select wholesale market channels, practice wholesale market development skills, and have an opportunity to connect with wholesale local food buyers.
The workshop is designed to help increase the purchase of Rhode Island-grown and harvested food and local food products by wholesale and institutional purchasers such as school districts, hospitals, colleges and universities, and state agencies. Funding for the program is provided by a Federal State Marketing Improvement grant from the US Department of Agriculture and is based on Cornell University's "Baskets to Pallets" curriculum. DEM is partnering with RIFPC to implement the grant.
WHAT: Baskets to Pallets Wholesale Readiness Workshop
WHERE: DEM Headquarters | Room 300 235 Promenade Street Providence, Rhode Island
WHEN: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 | 9 AM to 4 PM
WHO: Matt LeRoux of Cornell University will lead the workshop along with workshop co-hosts from Hope & Main, Farm Fresh Rhode Island, the RI Nursery and Landscape Association, Southside Community Land Trust, Young Farmers Network, Carrot Project, and the Rhode Island Farm Bureau. Separate sessions will be held on creating a marketing strategy, choosing and evaluating market channels, setting objectives, and creating an action plan and pricing. Workshop participants will take part in hands-on activities where they will learn how to perfect their sales pitch and cold call and create a sell sheet. Panel discussions by experienced buyers and sellers also are planned.
DEM works across many fronts to benefit and strengthen Rhode Island's green economy and to assist local farmers and fishers in growing their businesses. There are more than 1,000 farms sprinkled across the state and Rhode Island is home to a thriving young farmer network. DEM continues to make investments in critical infrastructure as well as provide farm incubation space to new farmers through its Urban Edge Farm and Snake Den Farm properties.
The state's food scene is often cited as an area of economic strength ripe for innovation and growth. Already, the local food industry supports 60,000 jobs, and the state's green industries account for more than 15,000 jobs and contribute $2.5 billion to the economy annually.
For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) for timely updates.