Thinking about a Commercial Kitchen for Value Added Products?

One of the most frequent questions CT-WAgN receives is about starting or using a commercial kitchen to make a value added product from locally grown food. So, CT-WAgN is planning a Commercial Kitchen Mini-Conference to address these questions. Some of the questions include: "what permits do I need?" "what can I do in a home kitchen?" "what do I put on the label?" Then there are questions about processing, storage, marketing, and many more.

However, there are some questions that need to be answered first - before you starting building:
1. How many forms/brands of your product are available at: a. Whole Foods, b. a regular supermarket, and c. a large farmers market?
2. How is your product different from those in #1?
3. Describe your product in one word or several 'single' words such a 'fresh', 'Grandmother's', 'irresistible'.
4. Can you describe your product of one sentence of 12 words - as to how it is unique?

If you'd like to participate in planning the Kitchen Conference, please let me know at ctwagn@cox.net. We'll have 2-3 meetings, and work by e-mail and conference call.

Trish

CT-WAgN webpage

The Connecticut Women's Agricultural Network is online at http://www.ctwagn.com

You'll find links to information and upcoming events.

Trish

Cooler Days

Brr-rh! It's chilly today, with a real feel of Autumn in the air, as the light wind scatters the falling leaves. I managed to get all my houseplants inside this weekend - just avoiding the light frost. Even though the thermometer didn't quite hit freezing, the chill made the sweet potato vines in my containers rather limp.

Are you struggling with how to price your produce? Or stumped over how to complete an application for a loan or line of credit when it asks for financial information? Dreading tax season?

Then plan to attend CT-WAgN's fall workshops "Introduction to Financial Planning" which begin on November 4 in Norwich, followed by sessions on November 11th in North Haven, November 18 in Vernon, and December 2 in Bethel. During the 3 hour session, which begin at 6:30 p.m., you'll learn how to tackle one of the most important parts of a business plan - the money part. Joseph Bonelli, Agricultural Economist, UConn Cooperative Extension, will lead the workshops. We'll also have information available on loans, etc. from several sources.

Registration details are available at www.ctwagn.com There is no charge for the workshops, which are sponsored by the Connecticut Women's Agricultural Network, UConn Extension, USDA's Risk Management Agency and the Northeast Center for Risk Management Education. (“This material is based upon work supported by USDA/CSREES under Award Number 2007-49200-03888.) Questions? 860-657-8157 or E-mail ctwagn@cox.net (An Equal Opportunity Employer and Program Provider"


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