Extension to host Retail Farm Market School May 29

On Wednesday, May 29, Delaware Cooperative Extension will conduct a daylong Retail Farm Market School for anyone who handles, processes or merchandises fresh market produce, such as local farm market vendors. The school is sponsored by the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, Penn State University, Delaware Department of Agriculture and Delaware Agritourism Association.

The course runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and will be held at the Elbert N. & Ann V. Carvel Research and Education Center in Georgetown. Instructors will be Gordon Johnson from UD and John Berry from Penn State. The tuition is $45.

Topics will include produce handling and merchandising, customer service, sanitation and fresh-cut produce. The course will comprise several delivery modes including professionally produced video segments, take-home text, post-harvest handling references, hands-on activities and a certification quiz.

Each school participant will receive a full day of retail farm marketing education and networking, a 40-page text that follows the school curriculum, a professional produce knife, a digital produce thermometer, sign blanks and the opportunity to receive a Retail Produce Professional certificate.

The school material is appropriate for new employee training and as a refresher for existing employees who work with fresh produce.

University of Delaware Cooperative Extension welcomes and encourages public participation in its programs, events, and workshops. All reasonable efforts will be used to meet accessibility requests. Contact the office two weeks prior to an event to request assistance with any special needs.

Registration deadline is Friday, May 17. Contact Karen Adams at adams@udel.edu or call 302-856-7303, Ext. 540 to register or obtain more information and directions. Class is limited to 35 seats.