SU Ag Center, N.O. Regional Black Chamber of Commerce to host a webinar to help small farmers get their produce to retail outlets
Baton Rouge, La. – The SU Ag Center has partnered with the New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce (NORBCC) to host the webinar, “Connecting Small Farmers to Fresh Produce Outlets.”
The virtual discussion, which will be held May 6, 2021 from 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., will provide farmers with information on how to get their produce into local grocery stores.
“The NORBCC is proud to partner with the Southern University Ag Center on connecting small black farmers to fresh produce outlets within the region,” said LaVerne Toombs, Executive Director of the NORBCC. “Our goal is to ensure that black farmers understand the process and receive the opportunity to sell their products in stores,” stated Toombs.
According to the USDA’s Census on Agriculture, only 27% of farmers sold their produce to retailers in 2015.
“Small disadvantage farmers lack access to retail outlets, the SU Ag Center and the NORBCC are determined
to seek out buyers that are willing to work with local producers to gain entry into area retail stores,” said Zanetta Augustine, Program Leader of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the SU Ag Center. “This marriage provides opportunities for increased income to producers that would otherwise be overlooked,” she added.
Small farmers and grocers interested in participating in the webinar can register for the free event by visiting, https://bit.ly/3sYcQQE.
For additional information, email Zanetta Augustine at zanetta_augustine@suagcenter.com, Dr. Marlin Ford at marlin_ford@suagcenter.com, or LaVerne Toombs at laverne.toombs@norbchamber.org.
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