“First Steps in Starting a Market Garden Business,” a free workshop led by Peter Marks of ASAP,  will be offered at The North Carolina Arboretum on January 31.

Participants will learn five important first steps every young or second-career farmer should consider before embarking on a market garden business.

“Many people dream of farming, but few succeed in building viable farm businesses that contribute to or provide their income,” Marks said. “For anyone who has thought about growing food to earn part or all of their income, this workshop will take an honest look at what is involved in turning a dream into reality.”

Topics during the two-hour workshop include marketing options, the regulatory environment, expectations for income and profit, basic farm business planning tools, and more.

In his role at ASAP, Marks guides the organization’s marketing efforts, produces the Local Food Guide, and trains farmers in marketing and business planning. Prior to his work at ASAP, Marks co-owned a garden seed company and helped more than 400 people create business plans during his tenure at Mountain Microenterprise Fund. 

 The program is free of charge. Registration is required. Call 828-665-2492, ext. 317.

 WHAT: First Steps in Starting a Market Garden Business workshop

 WHEN: January 31 from 2 to 4 p.m.

 WHERE: The North Carolina Arboretum

 FEE: none

 INFORMATION: (828) 665-2492, ext. 317 or www.ncarboretum.org.