Innovative agricultural producers know that alternative crops and value-added products can give them an edge in the marketplace. Effective business planning is crucial to the long-term profitability of any value-added venture.

“Starting a Business to Stay in Business: Soil to Dinner Plate,” an agriculture-related business workshop co-sponsored by Michael Fields Agricultural Institute and the UW-Madison Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems, will be held Jan. 14 at Michael Fields in East Troy, Wis., from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

At this workshop, the Wisconsin Women”s Business Initiative Corporation will provide a comprehensive overview of business plan preparation, business ownership, market research, marketing strategies, record keeping, cash flow projections, financing and human resource management. Margaret Krome, Michael Fields public policy educator, will cover grant-writing as a complementary funding source.

Those who own or intend to go into a business related to the production, processing, distribution or retail sale of agriculture products may attend free of charge. Enrollment will be limited to the first 60 registrants.

Course materials will be provided. In addition, a recommended workbook can be downloaded from the USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program web site: www.sare.org/htdocs/pubs/ This guide, entitled “Building a Sustainable Business,” details step-by-step strategies for developing a lender-ready business plan and taking advantage of opportunities in organic farming, agri-tourism, on-farm processing and other value-added ventures.

To register for the workshop, call Therese Philipp, at (262) 642-3303, extension 4, or register online at www.michaelfieldsaginst.org A map and driving directions are available on this web site.