Retail Produce Handling Education for Rural Grocers & Specialty Crop Farmers

Abstract

Extension's Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships have partnered with the University of Minnesota Horticulture Department and local food researchers to develop a how-to guide for specialty crop farmers to sell their produce to rural grocers; develop a produce handling toolkit and deliver on-site training for rural grocers; and develop a specialty crop local food buying guide to encourage rural grocers to purchase locally grown specialty crops. This poster will highlight the results of this partnership and the benefits of these resources to farmers and grocers around the state.