Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project kicks off 2016 with their 13th annual Business of Farming Conference and an expanded matching funds program supporting farm marketing efforts. Both initiatives help provide farmers with tools and resources they need to improve farm businesses.

The Business of Farming Conference will be held on Feb. 20, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at UNC Asheville and promises to offer valuable learning and networking opportunities for both beginning and experienced farmers. Experienced farmers, regional business and agricultural professionals will lead 15 business and marketing workshops including, “The Dos and Don’ts of Selling to Restaurants,” “Farm Business Planning,” and “Making Social Media Work For You.”

Returning participants can also expect new sessions this year including discussing legal topics with Ward & Smith P.A., “Crafting Your Farm Story,” and a workshop focused on the new Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) produce rule and how it will affect farm businesses. The popular Grower-Buyer Meetings also return with more than 15 buyers including area restaurants, grocers, distributors and more.

“I look forward to the Business of Farming Conference every year. Making a successful business out of a farming enterprise is by far the most challenging aspect of agricultural production. ASAP pulls together an excellent menu of local farmers to make presentations about how they are making a go of it,” said Steven Beltram, owner of Balsam Gardens.

Western North Carolina farmers have the opportunity to put what they learn at the

conference into action through a cost share program for Appalachian Grown custom farm marketing and promotions. These matching funds, made possible through support from the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, can be used for design and production of labels, packaging, or promotional materials. A new aspect of the cost share program this year is that Appalachian Grown certified farmers markets in North Carolina can apply as a farmer group to support market signage and promotional materials.

Registration for the conference is now open at asapconnections.org/conference attendance. More information about the cost share program is available at asapconnections.org (“Tools” tab) or by contacting the ASAP office at 828-236-1282.

The Business of Farming Conference is made possible with support from the Buncombe County Service Foundation, USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program, Golden LEAF Foundation, Southern Risk Management Education Center, UNC Asheville Dining, and many more community partners. A grant from the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission allows ASAP to offer the marketing cost share for farmers again in 2016.

-Submitted by Scott Bunn