Is Farming in Your Future?

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Enterprise Center at Salem State University

Feb 10, 2011, 07:00 ET

'Business of Farming' workshop set for February 24th

SALEM, Mass., Feb. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the region's "go to" place for business growth and success, the Enterprise Center is always attuned to the latest trends and information needs. But who would have expected a workshop entitled "The Business of Farming?" That, however, is exactly what is scheduled for Thursday, February 24th, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

"We recognized the growing interest in local food, both among consumers and among people interested in pursuing some aspect of farming as a career and lifestyle," said the Center's CEO, Christine Sullivan. "This isn't exactly something we're familiar with, so we called the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) to see if there were any business tie-ins we could pursue."

There were. It turns out that MDAR offers more than 30 programs and services across the state to help promote a sustainable and vibrant agricultural future in the Commonwealth, many of interest to small growers and "boutique" ventures from herbs to cheese making. And the MDAR's chief of staff, Anna Waclawiczek, will moderate the Enterprise Center's panel presentation on February 24th. Other participants will include an established grower, a grower who just recently started his own business, and a Tufts University technical assistance coordinator who helps farmers develop viable business plans.

If you've ever thought of buying or running a farm, ever wondered what kind of lifestyle you'd have, ever looked at stalls at a local farmers' market and thought, "I'd like to do that," this workshop is the place to start. The workshop, which is cosponsored by the Small Business Development Center, is free. You can register or learn more at www.enterprisectr.org.

The Enterprise Center at Salem State University is the regional resource for business owners at every stage of business development, providing them with the knowledge and skills to grow profits and succeed and serving as the voice of the small business community through advocacy and action. The Enterprise Center is located at 121 Loring Avenue, Salem, MA 01970. Phone 978-542-7528.

www.enterprisectr.org.

SOURCE Enterprise Center at Salem State University