Prince Edward Island potato producers will be taking a first-hand look at marketing during a workshop on Monday, February 9. The workshop, "Investing in Marketing Know-How," is the last in a series organized by the Potato Producers Association and the Department of Agriculture and Forestry.
Keynote speaker at Monday's workshop is agriculture merchandiser Charles Walker of South Carolina. Mr Walker is Market Relations Manager with the Prince Edward Island Potato Board for the northeastern United States. He will be discussing the realities of that market, outlining how producers can obtain and assess market information and suggesting how they can compete more effectively. The northeastern United States is one of the major markets for Prince Edward Island potatoes.
Mr. Walker has been promoting and merchandising a wide range of agricultural products for the past 23 years. He works closely with growers, wholesalers and retailers in promotions, advertising, and retail trade studies.
Representatives of the federal and provincial departments of agriculture will also be providing sources of marketing information that producers can use to become more competitive. In a pre-recorded interview, Harry Fraser, publisher of Fraser's Potato Newsletter, will provide his insights on sourcing good market information.
Monday's workshop is being held at the Howard Johnson Dutch Inn in North River. It gets underway at 9:00 a.m.