FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 14, 2013
Contact: Rick Terrien
Iowa County Area Economic Development
608 577 7546
rick.terrien@gmail.com
Do you want to learn how to build your own year round farm business by using value added food processing services? If you have been thinking about starting a business or expanding your business this is your opportunity, brought to you by the Wisconsin Innovation Kitchen of Mineral Point and the Vernon Economic Development Association in Viroqua.
Professionally managed food processing services are available at the Wisconsin Innovation Kitchen to assist regional farms in creating “shelf-stable” products that can be sold year-round. The kitchen at the Food Enterprise Center can also be used to turn your produce into year-round products. Shared intake and marketing services can help you create or grow your own year-round food business. A new USDA Microloan Loan program is also available to help you access these services.
A free seminar will be held Saturday afternoon, March 2nd from 1:00-3:00 at the Grant County Fairgrounds Youth & Ag Building, 916 E. Elm Street in Lancaster. Or attend an evening session on Monday, March 4th from 5:30-7:30 at the Food Enterprise Center, 1201 North Main Street in Viroqua. Rick Terrien, Iowa County Economic Development Director will cover topics such as “What can you grow and sell year-round to build your small farm business. How small farms can utilize regional value-added food processing services. What value-added food processing information and services are available to small farms at the Wisconsin Innovation Kitchen and the Food Enterprise Center, and an introduction to the new USDA Micro loan program which can be applied to small farm value-added food processing services.” Representatives will be on hand to answer questions and help with applications for the microloan program. You may also meet with Annette Pierce, Food Service Director from the Wisconsin Innovation Kitchen to discuss your ideas.
For more information, or to pro-register for the seminars, visit www.innovationkitchen.org/seminar or call 608.577.7546 and 608.638.8332. Plan to attend and create new opportunities for your farm!
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