Ethnic Greens and Herbs Workshop Announcement

[Future Harvest Docs]

Collaborators from The Pennsylvania State University, Rutgers University, University of Massachusetts, and University of Florida are planning a one-day workshop focusing on assisting produce industry members (producers, wholesalers, distributors, brokers, and retailers), researchers, and Extension personnel with better understanding consumer perceptions and factors that drive the ethnic greens and herbs market. 
 
This workshop will be held on March 3, 2014 in Valley Forge, PA and is being supported by a USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Specialty Crop Research Initiative grant, Project Award Number: SCRI 2009-51181-06035.  We are currently working on the agenda, but a mix of topics will be presented including:
dissemination of research results.
stakeholders describing their experiences with growing, sourcing, and marketing ethnic greens and herbs.
and a presentation describing changes in U.S. consumer demographics.
I am writing to inquire if you or someone you know might be interested in this workshop.  Specifically, we would be interested in learning about growers, retailers, distributors, brokers, and wholesalers who currently sell or are interested in selling ethnic greens and herbs.  Please send any potential attendee information to Dana Ollendyke (djm...@psu.edu).  Your help is greatly appreciated.

There are no fees for participants who attend this event.  The funding received from the Specialty Crop Research Initiative grant will cover attendees’ lodging for the night of March 2nd (based on double occupancy), meals during the conference on the 3rd, and materials/workshop attendance.  Extension and research personnel not associated with the project may be asked to prepare a poster or provide a summary describing their work with ethnic products or another applicable topic.
 
Here is some important information about the event:

Where will the workshop be held? The all-day workshop will be held in Valley Forge, PA.
 
What are the conference fees and other associated costs? Attendees will not be charged any fees to attend.  USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Specialty Crop Research Initiative grant funds will cover attendees’ lodging for the night of March 2nd, based on double occupancy, meals during the conference on the 3rd, and materials/workshop attendance.
 
Who should attend?  Growers, wholesalers, retailers, and other stakeholders, Extension personnel, researchers, association representatives, and similar industry members who are involved in ethnic food production/sales and marketing/sourcing/education.
 
When will registration begin?  Registration will begin shorty after January 4, 2014. To let us know that you want to be added to the invitation list, click here.
 
How can I let others know about the workshop? You can forward this email to others or email names and contact information to Dana Ollendyke at djm...@psu.edu.  Thanks in advance for your help!