Welcome to the MarketReady Producer Training Program

Welcome to the MarketReady Producer Training Program! 

We educate farmers and value-added producers on how to prepare for selling in larger markets, including restaurants, schools, grocery and retail outlets, and wholesale distribution. Farmers and value-added producers need to be prepared to meet the requirements of buyers in these marketplaces. Often, the needs of larger markets differ from the needs of customers in the direct-to-consumer marketplace -- so we are here to help with that! Buyers in these markets need their suppliers [that's you -- farmers and value-added producers!] to manage their own food safety, insurance, product quality, traceability, and much, much more. 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 farmers 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 the University of Kentucky's 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 this training, farmers and value-added producers should possess a sense of assurance regarding the expectations set forth by potential buyers (restaurants, grocers, schools, etc.). This program provides extension agents with the knowledge and tools to assist farmers and value-added producers in their county who are interested in selling to restaurants, grocery stores, food service directors, and/or wholesale distributors.