The state agriculture department has put out a new handbook for local food producers available both online and in hard copy. Teresa Cuperus, an Economic Development Consultant with DATCP, says the manual is for those wishing to move products from field to consumer. It covers selling directly to consumers via farmers markets, community supported agriculture, agritourism and roadside stands. Intermediate channels such as restaurants, grocery stores, institutions, and distributors are also covered.
Businesses such as these are important to the economy of Wisconsin because it re-circulates money within the state, says Cuperus. She calls the local food market a "growing" industry.
Workshops will cover the subjects November 12th in Stevens Point and November 14th in Viroqua.
AUDIO: Brian Moon reports (MP3 :70)
