Workshop to help SC Growers reach Markets

An upcoming workshop for farmers, growers and food producers will help launch a new program for businesses in South Carolina that want to sell to local restaurants and grocers. The S.C. Market Ready program, a partnership between Clemson Extension, the S.C. Department of Agriculture and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, is holding a one-day workshop on Feb. 27 to help food suppliers succeed in the modern marketplace. The workshop is from 9am to 5pm at the PhillipsMarketCenter at the S.C. State Farmers Market in West Columbia. The cost to attend is $60 per participant, which includes lunch and program materials.  The registration deadline is Feb. 20. The Market Ready training program addresses the wide array of issues and challenges small farmers and ranchers must manage as they seek to develop supplier relationships with restaurants, grocery stores, wholesalers and food service buyers. The training is based on business practices identified by buyers in these markets that are actively seeking to engage local suppliers.