COLUMBIA, Mo. – This fall, the Missouri Agriculture, Food and Forestry Innovation Center (MAFFIC) is hosting five in-person events for value-added agricultural producers.

From marketing deep dives to hands-on business planning, these events will offer fresh ideas and practical tools to new and seasoned producers alike, said Mallory Rahe, MAFFIC director and University of Missouri associate extension professor.

“MAFFIC’s goal is to empower producers to add value to their ag products,” Rahe said. “By offering events specifically designed to address common challenges in value-added agricultural business, we can help producers thrive in a competitive market.”

Events for fall 2024 include:

Oct. 9 in Columbia – Boost Your Brand

Dive deep into marketing strategy and elevate your brand. Hear from MAFFIC experts and Corrina Smith, executive director of the Columbia Farmers Market, and participate in interactive sessions on key messages, target customers and techniques for effective marketing.

Nov. 14 in Springfield – Strategies To Add Value and Expand Reach on Your Farm

Looking to grow your farm business and boost profitability? Join MAFFIC experts to learn about business planning, marketing and navigating regulations. Plus, hear from producers who will share their journeys in value-added agriculture.

Nov. 16 in Maryville – Taste of Northwest Agriculture Market

Join the celebration of local farms and food during Northwest Missouri State University’s annual Celebrate Agriculture Week. This interactive market allows producers to showcase their homegrown products, and customers can try and buy their new favorite finds.

Nov. 21 in Joplin – Strategies To Add Value and Expand Reach on Your Farm

If you’re looking to grow your farm business and boost profitability, this event will delve into business planning, marketing and regulations for value-added products. Attendees will also hear from producers who will share their journeys in value-added agriculture. This event is supported by the Joplin Empire Market.

Dec. 5 in Knob Noster – Strategies To Add Value and Expand Reach on Your Farm

If you’re looking to grow your farm business and boost profitability, join MAFFIC experts at Simple Blessings Farm to learn about business planning, marketing and other considerations when planning or scaling up a value-added agriculture business.

“Producers will walk away with practical tools and completed deliverables that they can implement in their own businesses,” said MAFFIC business counselor and MU Extension agricultural business specialist Jennifer Lutes, who organized the Joplin event. “They can also take advantage of networking opportunities with other producers, which has incredible value.”

For more information about these upcoming events, including registration information, visit https://MissouriAgInnovation.com/events.

These events are supported by funding through the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority. The Missouri Agriculture, Food and Forestry Innovation Center (MAFFIC) is supported through grant funding awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development agency, project number RO8683475247.