Extension Coordinates Successful At-Market Workshop during PA Produce Month 2021

18 attendees from the Lehigh Valley area and beyond gathered at Eagle Point Farm Market to learn about marketing and share ideas for the twilight event that was sponsored by the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association (PVGA). The workshop was organized by Christi Powell and John Wodehouse, Business Growth & Development Extension Educators. Hosting this event and other similar events during the month of August was special to celebrate the annual "PA Produce Month."

The program focus for this twilight event was marketing. Attendees were able to learn from the outstanding produce and value-added presentations and displays at Eagle Point Farm Market in its retail farm market stand. The event kicked off with introductions to Extension Staff, attendees (who mostly hailed from other farms with markets in the region), and the Ganser Family, multi-generational owners, and operators of Eagle Point Farm/Market and Greenhouses. The Ganser family gave a history of their business along with a short tour of their site and explained the growth to where they have gotten today with retail and wholesale marketing and what makes their business successful. Future plans for the farm and market were also discussed by the family. Christi Powell and John Wodehouse offered numerous Extension marketing hand-out sheets and other educational items that can be placed at markets.  Christi and John also prompted a general marketing and "how to build an effective displays" discussion through their own and other's research. Promotion of other upcoming Extension marketing events was discussed too. To wrap up, attendees who are fellow farmers shared success stories and advice amongst the group.

In closing, the At-Market Workshop at Eagle Point Farm Market event was well received with positive feedback by the attendees present. Everyone was excited to gather to share ideas (at a distance!), especially since this event and many other similar events in-person had to be canceled or delayed throughout the pandemic with Penn State Extension. Much appreciation and thanks to the PVGA for the support and sponsorship to help make this event happen!

References

Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association

Pennsylvania Vegetable Marketing & Research Program/PA Produce Month