School for aspiring vegetable growers set for January on campus

Aspiring fresh market vegetable growers can learn the fundamentals of the business from veteran growers and other experts at the 2009 Wisconsin School for Beginning Market Growers, Jan. 16-18, at UW–Madison.

The school emphasizes organic production methods and direct marketing, delving into fertility management, use of greenhouses, strategies to extend the season, pest management, equipment, planning and budgeting. There will be ample opportunities to network with others interested in starting a fresh produce business and to peruse a show-and-tell table featuring a variety of small tools and gadgets.

Instructors will share their strategies for selling through farmers’ markets and CSAs and directly to restaurants. Other speakers will cover topics ranging from insects to business management.

The School for Beginning Market Growers is sponsored by the Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems. The fee is $275. Enrollment is limited to 30 people. For more information, contact Hendrickson at 265-3704 or jhendric@wisc.edu, or visit http://www.cias.wisc.edu.