Program promotes specialty products, agritourism

AgriMissouri, a program within the Missouri Department of Agriculture, assists Missourians in marketing Missouri-made specialty products, farmers’ markets and agritourism business. The program also provides startup assistance to those who want to start those types of businesses.

“We are approached everyday by people interested in developing their products and in need of assistance with product and marketing research,” said Sarah Gehring, member services coordinator for AgriMissouri. “Hundreds have gone on to see their unique products on store shelves while others have decided that owning and running a food manufacturing business was not for them.”

Since 1985, the AgriMissouri program has assisted members in marketing their Missouri-made products.

Helping startup entrepreneurs is just one facet of the program. Other areas include a membership program where members are listed in the online Buyers’ Guide, www.agrimissouri.com. The guide provides members an opportunity to describe their product or company, to list retail locations or hours of operation and to include photos of their company or product.

Marketing assistance through trade shows and AgriMissouri markets also is part of the program, giving members a chance to showcase their products to consumers and wholesale buyers. Other benefits include workshops, newsletters and point-of-purchase materials.