Pennsylvania College of Technology will host a "Farmer-Buyer Networking Event" March 3 in the college's Thompson Professional Development Center.
The daylong event is a project of Valleys of the Susquehanna Buy Fresh Buy Local campaign. It offers an opportunity for those who want to sell their crops and products locally, and those who want to purchase directly from local farmers, to network directly. Participants include local farmers, chefs and buyers.
In addition to networking sessions, the event includes a talk on Good Agricultural Practices, the new on-farm food-safety program that many buyers are now requiring, by Luke F. LaBorde, associate professor of food science at The Pennsylvania State University, as well as panel discussions and a tour of the Penn College School of Hospitality kitchen facilities.
The event is open to farmers, chefs, restaurateurs and wholesale buyers. A $15 registration fee includes lunch prepared by Penn College's culinary arts students and a tour of the college's kitchens.
Pre-registration is required by mailing a completed registration form, along with a check for the registration fee made payable to Penn State Cooperative Extension, 542 County Farm Road, Suite 206, Montoursville, PA 17754-9621. For more information on the event, call (570) 433-3040.
The event is sponsored by Penn College, Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, Pocono Produce Co. and Wegmans Food Markets.
For more information about the Buy Fresh Buy Local campaign in Pennsylvania, visit online .
To learn more about the academic programs offered by the School of Hospitality at Penn College, visiton the Web or call (570) 327-4505. For more information about Penn College, visit online, e-mail or call toll-free (800) 367-9222.