Foodshed Field School presents Forming a Farmer Co-op

Forming a Farmer Co-op Thursday, May 10, 12 – 3:30 pm

Curious about forming a farmer co-op? Don’t miss this chance to learn the nuts and bolts from a farmer co-operative expert!

Peggy Fogarty from Keystone Development Center (KDC) will discuss how Farmer co-operatives are formed, different models that growers cooperatives in PA have used, how to incorporate/accommodate different size farms, and more. KDC has extensive experience building successful farmer co-operatives in the Mid-Atlantic (check out their list of co-operative clients here: www.kdc.coop/client-list.html).

PLUS, learn to sell to top local chefs! Premier Delmarva Chef Bill Clifton of Henlopen City Oyster House will share marketing insights and discuss his relationships with local farmers, including Calliope Farm’s Lisa Garfield. Chef Bill Clifton is a dedicated local buyer and his insights are not to be missed!

Take a leap towards forming a farmer co-op and join us at Blades Orchard, 4822 Preston Rd., Federalsburg, MD 21632. Organized in partnership with the Delmarva Farmers Union (DFU) and sponsored by the Historic Lewes Farmers Market and Blades Orchards.

Register Here

Agenda Overview:

Part 1: REGISTRATION NOT REQUIRED

• 12:00: DFU and Future Harvest CASA membership report

Part 2: REGISTRATION REQUIRED

• 12:30: Forming a Farmer Co-operative: Learn strategies from Keystone Development Center expert Peggy Fogarty and network with interested Delmarva farmers.
• 1:15: Potluck lunch, local cheese and hard cider provided by Blades Orchards!
• 2:00: Selling to Farm-to-Table Restaurants: Marketing tips from Bill Clifton of Henlopen City Oyster House and farmer Lisa Garfield.

Questions? Please contact Niamh Shortt at niamh@futureharvestcasa.org

$15 FHCASA or DFU Members / $20 Non-Members