MACON, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension offers a one-day regional program on growing and selling local foods Feb. 28 in Macon.

“Selling food directly to consumers provides growers income, a chance to tell their farm’s story and an opportunity to build a close client network. It also brings unique challenges with regulations and marketing,” says Darla Campbell, agricultural business specialist with University of Missouri Extension. Campbell will present on calculating cost of production and product pricing strategies.

MU Extension horticulturist Jennifer Schutter will offer an overview of small-scale fruit and vegetable production. She also will review results of a recent MU Extension specialty crops survey.

Londa Nwadike, MU Extension food safety specialist, will give a summary of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Mark Snyder, Macon County Health Department, will tell how to implement essential food safety practices.

Rod Belzer, owner of Winigan Farms and a farmers market vendor, tells how to grow grafted plants for more profit.

Missouri Department of Agriculture marketing specialist Rachel Heimericks will talk about AgriMissouri, a program that promotes agricultural products grown or made in Missouri.

The $20 fee includes lunch and handouts. Make checks payable to MU Extension and send to MU Extension in Schuyler County, P.O. Box 310, Lancaster, MO 63548. Register by Feb. 23.

The event will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Nolands Catering, 3002 Jims Road, Macon.

For more information or to register, contact Darla Campbell at 660-457-3469 or campbelld@missouri.edu.