May 23, 2013

Save the Date for the 2013 AgriMissouri Conference

AgriMissouri is bringing together the best of all things Missouri made and Missouri grown this summer for the 2013 AgriMissouri Conference. The Conference will be held July 21-23 in Jefferson City and will focus providing small business owners the tools they need to take advantage of opportunities and overcome challenges as they grow. The event is themed ‘Grow your network. Grow your business.'

"The AgriMissouri conference and workshops build upon the revitalization of the AgriMissouri program, which has included a new website, expanded services for both producers and consumers and a more than five-fold growth in membership over two years," said Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler. "We are excited to bring this outstanding event back for our AgriMissouri members and all of Missouri agriculture and look forward to exploring the opportunities to help grow our state's agribusinesses."

The AgriMissouri Conference will feature in-depth panel discussions, speakers and workshops for individuals and businesses operating at farmers' markets, on the farm and through storefronts, with products ranging from fresh produce and value-added foods to home décor and agritourism. Sessions will include information on organizing a business, hiring and training employees, marketing strategies, managing liability and risk and Missouri's regulatory requirements.

The conference will also include opportunities for attendees to visit several AgriMissouri members' agritourism operations for behind-the-scenes tours and question and answer sessions Tues., July 23. The tours will include businesses throughout Mid-Missouri, from bed-and-breakfasts and U-pick farms to wineries and other fun family destinations, with transportation provided by Missouri Farm Bureau.

The 2013 AgriMissouri Conference will be held at the DoubleTree hotel in Jefferson City. The Conference is open to the public; however registration is required for most events.

Registration information will be available on the AgriMissouri website, AgriMissouri.com, in the coming weeks. This conference is made possible through the partnership and support of the more than 1700 AgriMissouri members and Missouri Farm Bureau.

For more information about the Missouri Department of Agriculture and its programs, including AgriMissouri, visit mda.mo.gov.