On-farm retail markets, farmers markets and roadside stands are popping up across Tennessee. Farmers who market products direct to consumers through these and other direct marketing channels, however, face many challenges in getting their product from the farm into the hands of the consumer.

A series of educational workshops will be offered over the next few years to help farmers who direct market products to consumers gain knowledge and skills to increase their potential for success. These workshops, called Direct Farm Marketing for Success Workshops, are offered as part of the Tennessee Farm Fresh program efforts to increase sales of fresh and local farm products.

The first installment of workshops will be held in December. Sessions will include topics such as methods to increase sales by developing effective product displays, how to develop repeat customers by providing excellent customer service and what techniques experienced direct marketers have used to grow their businesses.

Workshops will be held in four locations :

• Dec. 10 in Spring Hill.

• Dec. 12 in Jackson.

• Dec. 16 in White Pine/Morristown.

• Dec. 17 in Crossville.

The cost of the workshop is $15 per person if registered prior to Dec. 3 or $20 per person for late registration. Workshops will be held from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm. Lunch will be provided.

Additional information and the registration form is available on-line at the Center for Profitable Agriculture's Web site at http://cpa.utk.edu or by calling (931) 486-2777.

Tennessee Farm Fresh is a joint effort of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture to promote the sale of Tennessee farm products directly from the farm to the consumer. The workshops are being coordinated by the Center for Profitable Agriculture.

Learn more about the program or where to find fresh and local products at http://www.tnfarmfresh.com.