The MarketReady Producer Training Program, developed by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service at the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, is an educational opportunity for local food producers to enhance their business tools for success. 

The program is open to farmers and producers, processors, county extension agents and anyone interested in selling their farm products to restaurants, grocery stores, schools or wholesale distributors. 

The first training on May 2, 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., is at the Woodford County Extension Office in Versailles. The second training on May 8, 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., is at the Kentucky Farm Bureau Office in Louisville. 

"MarketReady is a training program that helps farmers and producers get the tools in taking first steps in bringing their local products to local markets,” said Savannah Columbia, extension associate in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Center for Crop Diversification at Martin-Gatton CAFE. “These tools are the best business practices identified by local food buyers who are actively seeking to buy local products.” 

Farmers and producers will gain assurance regarding the expectations set by potential buyers, including restaurants, grocers, schools and more. Extension agents will learn how to better assist farmers and producers in their county.  

“This training program is for those who are ready to take the next step, and for those who are just thinking about different market outlets and opportunities,” said Columbia.

The MarketReady Producer Training includes program materials, complimentary lunch, and access to a buyer’s panel. Registration is free and limited to 25 participants per session: 

• Central Kentucky Session on May 2 is located at 184 Beasley Rd, Versailles, Ky. Registration closes April 30. Register at https://marketready.uky.edu/events/marketready-producer-training-central-kentucky. 
• Louisville Session on May 8 is located at 9201 Bunsen Pkwy, Louisville, Ky. Registration closes May 6. Register at https://marketready.uky.edu/events/marketready-producer-training-louisville. 

For any questions, contact Savannah Columbia at savannah.columbia@uky.edu. For more information about the MarketReady Producer Training Program and resources, visit https://marketready.uky.edu.

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The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is an Equal Opportunity Organization with respect to education and employment and authorization to provide research, education information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.