The National Center for Appropriate Technology is hosting an interactive workshop, "Entering the Institutional Food Market," on Friday April 25, 2014 from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

The Farm to Cafeteria Network event will provide information and technical assistance to Montana farmers, ranchers, and food processors interested in selling to institutions. Participants will learn about supplier best practices, food safety regulations, and institutions' considerations when sourcing from local producers.

A panel of farmers from the Western Montana Growers Co-op and Bozeman's Gallatin Grown will discuss successes and challenges related to selling to local institutions such as schools, hospitals, universities, and correctional facilities, while Jan Tusick of Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center will discuss Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification, HAACP, and other food safety regulations.

In order to explain institutions' food purchasing needs, the workshop will also include a presentation by Butte School District Foodservice Director Mark Harrison and Boulder School District's Lisa Giulio. The presenters will share information about schools' bid process, delivery and volume requirements, and why they want to work with Montana producers.

The cost is $10 for participants and includes lunch. NCAT is located at 3040 Continental Drive in Butte. Those interested can register online at http://www.ncat.org/events/.

This workshop is supported by a USDA Farm to School grant and MSU Extension.