Selling to Local Food Markets: A Webinar Series for Farmers
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EmailFarmers and food systems partners are invited to join this webinar series exploring sales market opportunities for farmers. The series is hosted by the Michigan's Emerging Farmers project, facilitated by CRFS, MSU Extension, and Midwest partners.
Join us for a Seven-Week Webinar Series for Farmers and Partners!
Michigan's Emerging Farmers, in partnership with the Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems, Michigan State University Extension, and Michigan Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS), is hosting a seven-week webinar series designed to help emerging farmers build the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to access new and expanded markets.
The 90-minute sessions, kicking off on October 7, 2026, will include subject matter experts from across the food and agriculture sector, will provide farmers with practical guidance on market readiness, business development, buyer relationships, pricing, food safety, distribution, and other key topics that support successful market access. Guest speakers include members from Agricole Farm Stop, the Food Co-op Initiative, Michigan Department of Education, Michigan Farmers Market Association, Trinity Health, and ValleyHub.
Date and Time |
Topic |
Featured Speakers |
|
October 7, 12-1:30pm |
Selling to Food Co-ops |
Featured Speakers:
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October 14, 2-3:30 pm |
Selling to Farm Stops |
Featured Speakers:
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|
October 21, 12-1:30pm |
Selling to Schools/ECE/other institutions |
Featured Speakers:
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October 28, 12-1:30 PM |
Selling to Food hubs |
Featured Speakers:
|
|
November 4, 12-1:30pm |
Selling to Food as Medicine Programs |
Featured Speaker:
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November 11, 12-1:30pm |
Selling to CSA and online markets |
Featured Speaker:
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November 18, 12-1:30pm |
Selling to Farmers Markets |
Featured Speaker:
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The series is intentionally designed to be accessible for emerging farmers seeking new sales channels for their farm products. Participants will gain actionable tools, resources, and strategies that can be applied directly to their farm businesses.
All sessions will be recorded and made available as ongoing educational resources, ensuring that farmers and agricultural service providers across Michigan and the Midwest can continue to benefit from the content long after the live sessions conclude.
Who Should Attend?
- Emerging farmers
- Small and mid-sized producers
- Urban and rural producers
- Agricultural service providers
- Farmer support organization partners
- Food system partners
What Participants Will Gain
- Increased understanding of market opportunities
- Practical strategies to connect with buyers
- Knowledge of wholesale, institutional, and direct market channels
- Tools to improve business planning and market readiness
- Connections to subject matter experts and support organizations
- Access to recorded trainings and resource materials
Registration will close on November 17, 11:59 PM. Once you register, you will receive the login details for all seven sessions. You can join as many sessions as you would like.
For questions about this webinar series, please contact Jazmin Bolan-Williamson, Farm and Food Business Coordinator at MSU CRFS, at bolanwil@msu.edu.
About Michigan’s Emerging Farmers
Our statewide program aims to create pathways to growth and economic opportunity for all of Michigan’s agricultural producers, including small- to mid-sized farmers. This project is funded by USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, in a cooperative agreement with members of the Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems, Michigan State University Extension, and Michigan Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS).
This work is supported by the American Rescue Plan Technical Assistance Initiative program, project award no. 2023-70417-39233, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.
These events are also brought to you by the Great Lakes Partnership for Food and Farm Business Development.
