The Kansas Department of Agriculture will host an Agribusiness Development Workshop on Feb. 2, 2017, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the Valu Net Fiber Smart room of the Trusler Business Center, 719 Commercial Street in Emporia. This workshop will provide Kansas farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses with resources, current business development and organizational contacts to assist with start-ups or expansions.

Featured speakers at the event will represent KDA; Lyon County economic development; USDA Rural Development; Kansas Department of Commerce; Network Kansas; Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism; Kansas Small Business Development Center; a local ag business; and a financial institution.

The KDA Division of Agriculture Marketing received a U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Business Development Grant to help fund the workshop. Established in the 2014 Farm Bill, USDA’s Rural Business Development Grant is a program intended to help with technical assistance, training and other activities to allow small businesses in rural areas to expand.

“Agriculture is the largest industry, economic driver and employer in the state, contributing 43 percent of the state’s economy and 12 percent of the state’s workforce, including 28 percent of the entire workforce of Lyon County,” said Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Jackie McClaskey. “We are committed to economic growth, and these workshops will provide information and education to expand opportunities for small and rural agribusinesses across the state.”

KDA will also hold five additional workshops in the following areas: January 19 in Russell, February 9 in Winfield, February 16 in Liberal, February 23 in Norton and March 2 in Hutchinson.

KDA is committed to providing an environment that enhances and encourages economic growth of the agriculture industry and the Kansas economy. This workshop will provide support and assistance to help make Kansas businesses more successful.

A light meal will be available for those who register prior to January 30. To RSVP, email your name and workshop location to kda.events@ks.gov. Contact Lynne Hinrichsen at Lynne.Hinrichsen@ks.gov or (785) 564-6757 with any questions.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.