A green thumb and hard work may be the keys to getting a small farm started, but it takes more to make that farm a successful business.
University of Georgia Extension, Georgia Organics and the UGA Small Business Development Center have tools that can help beginning farmers turn their quality crops into a sustainable business. Farm business experts are holding a Starting a Small Farm Business workshop in Watkinsville on Feb. 11 as part of the Piedmont Beginning Farmers Development Partnership.
The workshop will help new farmers pinpoint their target markets, identify the best outlets for their produce, learn book-keeping basics and learn about the importance of crafting a realistic business plan. The workshop is timed to help get new farmers ready for the 2014 growing and farmers market season.
The $30 workshop will run from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Oconee County UGA Extension Office at 1420 Government Station Road in Watkinsville. Light refreshments will be served. For information about registering, call (706) 542-7436 or visit www.georgiasbdc.org/ce/athens.