Meeting Will Bring Produce Growers and Buyers Together to Seek Business Opportunities

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 30, 2018) — Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles reminds Kentucky produce growers and buyers that the second annual Kentucky Proud Produce Grower-Buyer Meet-up is coming up on Nov. 8 at the Kentucky State University Research and Demonstration Farm near Frankfort.

“The meet-up gives growers of all sizes the chance to pitch their products to buyers and form mutually beneficial business partnerships,” Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles said. “This is what Kentucky Proud is all about – growing farm income by helping farmers find markets for their products.”

The meeting is targeted to fruit and vegetable producers looking to sell their products wholesale in any quantities. More than 30 buyers and some 100 producers are expected to participate.

The meet-up will start promptly at 9 a.m. EST with buyers introducing themselves and talking about the volumes and produce they expect to need in 2019. That will be followed by a “speed dating” round in which growers speak to buyers in rotation. Producers also may meet with experts in food safety, organic production, and marketing. A farm tour will follow the event.

Last year’s meet-up attracted 34 buyers, including Kroger, Walmart, Houchens, AWG, Whole Foods, Good Foods Co-op, and several distributors.

The event will be co-hosted by the Kentucky Vegetable Growers Association, the Kentucky Horticulture Council, and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.

Pre-registration is required by Nov. 5. To register, or to find out more, go to eventbrite.com/e/ky-produce-grower-buyer-meet-up-tickets-50533080805.