MarketReady Producer Training Program

Welcome to the MarketReady Producer Training Program! 

We educate growers and value-added producers on how to prepare for selling in larger markets, including restaurants, schools, grocery and retail outlets, and wholesale distribution. Growers and value-added producers need to be ready to meet the requirements of buyers in these marketplaces, as they differ from those of customers in the direct-to-consumer (DTC) marketplace. MarketReady addresses these needs and seeks to educate Kentucky’s growers and producers to succeed in these marketplaces. 

Our training is based on the best business practices identified by buyers in these market channels that actively seek to engage local food suppliers. MarketReady helps growers and value-added producers selling fruits and vegetables, dairy products, meat cuts, value-added products, etc., create a successful business strategy and explore these marketplaces.

MarketReady is a national program developed by Dr. Timothy Woods and the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. The mission of Cooperative Extension is to empower farmers, ranchers, and communities of all sizes to meet the challenges they face, adapt to changing technology, improve nutrition and food safety, prepare for and respond to emergencies, and protect our environment (USDA NIFA).

Our program provides participants with tools for business success. After attending a MarketReady program, growers and value-added producers will feel ready to meet the expectations of larger-market buyers. This program also provides technical assistance providers with knowledge and tools to assist growers and value-added producers interested in selling to larger markets.