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Source: N.C. VEGETABLE GROWERS and N.C. WATERMELON ASSOCIATION, 2/17/12
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Marketing group is hosting an event at the Southeastern Ag Center in Lumberton, NC on February 29th. This will be the first of four events held in the state. Our guest customers are: Lowes Foods Stores whose corporate office is located in Winston-Salem, NC; and (MDI) Merchants Distributor, Inc. located in Hickory, NC.
The Farmer meetings will be geared towards those farmers/growers that are interested in selling to Lowes Foods and MDI. Topics to be addressed are guidelines that Lowes and MDI require for you, as a farmer, selling to their stores. Lowes Foods Executive Director of Produce and MDI's Director of Produce will be on hand to address the criteria they require. Examples Include: Liability insurance, Gap Certification, etc. Please do not allow any of these guidelines to keep you from the meeting, as we have designed these meetings to be informative as to these topics. Marketing Horticulture Specialist from our staff will be giving a presentation on how to become Gap Certified and other grower type information. There will be a question and answer session, and possible one-on-one sessions, if time permits. Lunch will be provided by the "Got to be NC" Goodness Grows Program.
All meetings will be held from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
· February 29th. Southeastern NC Ag Center, 1027 US 74 E, Lumberton, NC
· March 14th. Raleigh, NC Location TBD
· March 28th. Greensboro, NC Location TBD
· April 11th. Asheville, NC Location TBD
Statewide, we have seen strong growth and interest in local produce. Lowes Foods and MDI are committed to support our local farmers and are currently buying from groups across the state. However, their needs and demand for local is out pacing their supply and they are in need of more growers. We are dedicated to help and assist our farmers to find a market for their products. These meetings will provide you an audience that you may otherwise not have had the opportunity to experience. Please join us for these very important meetings. If for some reason you are not available for the location that's closest to you, by all means choose a date that fits your schedule and join us. Also, feel free to invite other growers in your area that might not receive this letter.
There is no cost associated with these meetings; however I need for you to RSVP no later than February 24th, for the February 29th meeting in Lumberton. Our caterer is requiring a number to serve for lunch. (RSVP by calling 919-707-3133 or 919-707-3148)
Many thanks!
Randy Maness
G.W. Stanley
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