MIDDLEBURY — This winter ACORN is offering business development workshops to create new outlets for products to be sold locally or regionally.
Following a sold our workshop for hemp growers, the next up is a Feb. 22 workshop on learning to work with distributors and selling direct to retail stores for new market opportunities. The workshop is suitable for fruit, vegetable and value-added producers seeking a better understanding of distribution variables in reaching new markets.
The workshop is designed to clarify the roles of distributors and help emerging businesses to decide if they are ready to move away from or continue with self-distribution. It is suitable for a wide audience of value-added, fresh produce and meat producers currently selling through farmers’ markets or through online platforms.
Producers will learn firsthand from two locally owned businesses about differing ways to bring your products to a wider market access. Dan Reilly of Equinox Food Brokers will help producers understand the ins and outs of distribution and the roles of brokers and distributors in promoting growth of your business. Seth Walker of Healthy Living Market will help guide businesses on how they work with producers to improve business skills through meeting their requirements for direct to store deliveries. Annie Harlow, retail consulting services for Vermont Farm to Plate, will be on hand to link the intricacies of selling your products through the entire distribution chain including retail and sharing Farm to Plate resources. 
“Learning to sell your product is equally as important as making a quality product,” say Harlow. “ACORN’s workshops help businesses improve their skills, and as part of the Farm to Plate Network, help them reach wider markets both in-state and regionally. Having a buyer and broker sharing their insights provides value-added and specialty food producers with a wealth of information,”
ACORN will offer other for engaging conversations throughout the winter for topical meet-ups and workshops including Work-Life-Farm Balance Meet Up for Women Farmers on Wednesday, Feb. 27, and a Grower to Grower: Meeting Market Demand for Organic Corn, on March 13. Find the full list of workshops and sign up for the Winter Series at acornvt.org