A Training and Procurement Networking Event
Presented by Seeds to Success & LSU AgCenter
October 3, 2024 | 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM
East Baton Rouge Parish Library | Bluebonnet Blvd
ABOUT THIS EVENT
Interested in selling your products to schools? Want to meet school buyers and start the conversation? Come to a farmer-buyer meetup to network face-to-face with school buyers! The LSU AgCenter's Seeds to Success Program and Louisiana Department of Education are hosting the Meet the Buyer, Greet the Grower event on October 3, 2024. In addition to networking, the day will begin with information about the farm to school concept and how your farm or school district can really "dig in" and learn more. You will learn the basics of purchasing and selling local food products for schools and other institutions and, in the afternoon, have ample opportunity to network with local producers, food hubs, wholesale, retail, school systems, and other buyers.
In the 2024-2025 School Year, schools will have access to funds that must be used for local food purchases. This means that schools will be looking to purchase from local producers. This is an opportunity for producers to enter the school market – aka the largest restaurant chain in the world - and get quality, fresh, local products to Louisiana students!
Vegetable, fruit, livestock, egg, and honey producers are encouraged to attend, as well as fisheries including catfish and shrimp.
This event is strictly open to producers who can deliver or ship food products to Louisiana schools and wholesale or institutional buyers.
The event includes two parts, with lunch provided in between.
Learning Session: 9:45 -11:45 am
Intro to Farm to School Producer Training / Farm to School Purchasing SFA Training about Farm to School in Louisiana and tips for buying and selling in a school or institutional setting.
Networking: 12:15-2:30 pm
Networking session between farmers and buyers. This is an opportunity to meet school food buyers in person. Bring your business cards, brochures, and farm information if you have them!
Register Here: https://lsuagcenter.regfox.com/meet-the-buyer-greet-the-grower