This webinar will explore how farmer training programs can support farmers beyond production by strengthening market access and strategic partnerships. Participants will learn about approaches to connecting farmers with wholesale, institutional, and community-based markets, strategies for navigating buyer requirements and supply chains, and models for building resilient local food systems. There will be opportunities to discuss partnership development, market readiness, food access initiatives, and lessons learned from organizations helping farmers build profitable and sustainable farm businesses. Read full event details here.

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About the presenters: As New Entry’s Food Hub Co-Manager, Erik Wilson focuses on everything from truck maintenance to crop planning with food hub farmers to CSA and food access partner outreach. Erik works closely with his Co-Manager Sara to expand food hub operations and ensure things run smoothly. Formerly a high school math teacher, Erik’s passion for the food system and local agriculture began while working on a small, organic farm as a field hand and farm educator. This passion has led Erik to work with MDAR and manage a gleaning organization prior to his role at New Entry, along with his avid gardening at home. Erik holds a B.A. in Mathematic Sciences from Colby College, and an M.A. in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning with a focus on Food Systems Planning from Tufts University. . Kim Butz is the AMP Market Coordinator at Rodale Institute, where she coordinates the Rodale Institute Farm Fund, the Institute’s USDA Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) grant program. She grew up in farming and has more than eight years of boots-on-the-ground technical assistance with farmers in Pennsylvania, Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia, including six years in Harmonized GAP food safety certification with more than 100 farms certified through her direct assistance. Katherine Myrvold joined Viva Farms in 2018 and has held many roles over the years, including Sales Manager, where she managed the organization’s wholesale and CSA programs. In her current role as Education Manager, Katherine leads Viva Farms’ educational programming, including the Practicum in Sustainable Agriculture, workshops for the regional agricultural community, and direct technical assistance for farmers.