Ethnic Vegetable Workshop

The Virginia Cooperative Extension – Virginia State University is hosting an ethnic vegetable workshop at Carter Farm (26444 Carters Lane, Unionville, VA). Demand for ethnic food offers small farmers tremendous opportunities to diversify their food production systems to appeal to immigrants, particularly African (West and East African), Caribbean, Asian (Indian and Chinese) and Hispanic populations. Small Farm Resource Center coordinator and chief grower for Carter Farms Michael Carter Jr. will lead this workshop to show small farmers how to grow and market-specific crops that appeal to these customers.

While some ethnic vegetables are quite unique and exotic, other ethnic crops can include familiar vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and squash that are known by different names by varying cultural communities. Growing specific crops and varieties for ethnic groups can open markets for new and exciting vegetables to grow and sell. Farmers who understand their communities’ demographics and which vegetables are in demand can consider diversifying vegetable crops to increase their customer base and improve profits.

Register: https://www.cvent.com/c/express/0508cd4a-f5ae-4011-9fb0-6c7347396b32

For more information, contact the Small Farm Outreach Program at (804) 524-3292 or smallfarm@vsu.edu.