August 14, 2008

Tour emphasizes relationships; connecting with the consumer

Each stop will feature an agri-business that focuses on building relationships, creating partnerships and working together to connect with consumers.

"Whether you are a producer, someone considering production, or a consumer who wants to know more about how food is grown and delivered, this a great way to spend a Saturday," said Amy Thompson, Purdue Extension educator in Monroe County. "You will not only learn about different methods to connect with consumers, but will also pick up new ideas and have lots of networking opportunities."

Registration costs $15, which includes lunch and materials, and is due by Aug. 20.  Individuals can register online at http://www.conf.purdue.edu/FARMTOURS or by calling Lynn Stocksick at (800) 359-2034.

Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Bloomington City Hall's Council Chambers, at 401 N. Morton St. Parking information is available at http://bloomington.in.gov/documents/viewDocument.php?document_id=1768. A map and travel directions also are available at http://bloomington.in.gov/locations/viewLocation.php?location_id=185.

The morning session will begin at 10 a.m. with a brief overview and history of the Bloomington Community Farmers' Market by market coordinator Marcia Veldman. Three seasoned market vendors will share their experiences building consumer-producer relationships. Market vendors include Susan Welsand, who is also known as The Chile Woman; Steve Love of Loveland Meats; and Jennifer Meta Robinson of Hart Farm.

Participants will have time to visit the market, which hosts more than 4,000 visitors per day. Along with the Indiana-grown produce, the market offers fresh cut flowers, fresh-baked bread and live musical performances.

The group will take a brief walk to Upland Brewery, Indiana's largest microbrewery, where they'll have lunch featuring local foods. Upland's Doug Dayhoff and Neil Riley will speak about the challenges and opportunities of working with local producers, consumer perceptions of local food sources, and their collaboration with the Buffalo Nickel Ranch, which feeds the brewery's spent grain to its herd.

After lunch, participants will travel to Musgrave Orchards. Owners Amy and Andy Hamilton will discuss the orchard operation and cider mill, as well as their work as part of Core Farms, a community supported agriculture venture.

"The orchard will take visitors back in time," Thompson said. "They still use a cloth and rack press, a 75-year-old antique mechanism used to make cider."

The program will wrap up at 3 p.m.; however, participants may return to Upland Brewery for an optional brewery tour.

More information about the Indiana Farm Sustainability Tours is available at http://www.ces.purdue.edu/anr/documents/2008/INFarmTourFinal08.pdf. For more information, contact Thompson at (812) 349-2575, afthompson@purdue.edu or Jerry Nelson at (812) 886-9582.

Writer:  Julie Douglas, (765) 496-1050, douglajk@purdue.edu

Sources: Amy Thompson, (812) 349-2575, afthompson@purdue.edu

Jerry Nelson, (812) 886-9582, jnelson@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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