Quest for New Farm Value workshop to be held Feb 6-7

By Gary Sliworsky
OMAFRA Rep.

Building on the success of the 2008 “Growing Your Opportunities-A Quest for New Farm Value” workshop series, up to 15 workshops are being held across the province in 2009 for farm and rural based entrepreneurs seeking to tap into new and expanding marketplace opportunities.
A 2-Day Workshop is being held Friday, February 6 and Saturday, February 7 at the Emo Inn. The sessions run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day.
Farm and rural based entrepreneurs who want to learn how to tap into new market place and value added opportunities should attend this workshop.
Ontario farm business owners, entrepreneurs and advisors will share lessons learned and best practices to engage participants in evaluating new product and service ideas and steps to successfully bring them to market.
You will benefit from this workshop by learning how to:
•Identify, find and evaluate new value added ideas
•Put your ideas into action using the seven step value added development process
•Connect with the right market channels
•Find innovative ways to market your products and services
•Build a business that can support your new idea
•Create a dynamite, but simple business plan
•Finance the different stages of your new ventures
•Save time and money in the development process
•Price your products properly
•Manage your risk
Over the two days you will:
•Explore case studies of how innovative rural and farm businesses developed their value added ideas and opportunities
•Follow a new product from conception to integration into the marketplace
•Take home lots of practical and useful tips.
The Workshop is limited to a maximum of 25 participants. Pre-registration is required.
There is a cost to attend the 2-Day Workshop - Lunch provided for both days.
Registration forms are available from Gary Sliworsky at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs office (482-1921) or the Rainy River Future Development Corporation office (274-3276).

Dates to Remember
Jan. 27 - 28 – Large animal clinic dates for Dr. Dan Matyasovszky. Call 807-475-3837 to book an appointment.
Jan. 28 - 30 – Large animal clinic dates for Dr. Blair Simonson. Call 274-7393 to book an appointment.