Kentucky Proud hosts Retail Readiness Workshop to support agriculture producers
Workshop covers marketing trends, product reviews offered for attendees
FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 3, 2026) – Kentucky Proud®, the official marketing program of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, hosted a one-day Retail Readiness workshop in Lexington, equipping Kentucky producers with strategies to expand their market reach.
The workshop, now in its second year, partnered with the Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (KCARD) and the University of Kentucky’s MarketReady Producer Training Program, providing an overview of marketing trends, peer-to-peer panels, discussions, product reviews, and advice from a variety of local retailers, as well as hands-on workshops for marketing planning and story development.
“We had an astounding turnout at the one-day workshop for Kentucky agriculture producers,” Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell said. “Agriculture is economic development and creating pathways to help our producers develop a plan for a larger market share benefits for both the producers and the state.”
Attendees learned from the retail community including representatives from Meijer, Kroger, Stepping Stone Farm, and The Frazier History Museum Gift Shop to identify local products that are best matched for placement, as well as the process for new vendors and safety certifications.
“Partnering with Kentucky Proud and participating in events like today’s provides us with a valuable opportunity to build direct relationships with local suppliers,” said Meijer Supplier Relations Manager Travis Reams.
Attendees heard from other agricultural producers such as the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association and Wildcat Mountain Dairy who are successfully selling in the retail space and support their products with marketing plans.
“I made two contacts for new business from the exposure and networking. I want to focus on sampling where we are already located to build up sales," said Leslea Barnes, third-generation farmer from Barnes Farm & Milling Company. "I intend to utilize existing email database options to reach customers for repeat orders and to maximize the return on the point of sale software I already have. I’d like to focus on building up and improving where we are and use that knowledge to expand to other locations.”
Each participant left the workshop with the building blocks for a personalized marketing plan and an outline for their story, ready to approach potential buyers with confidence. Participants also submitted products to be reviewed anonymously by mass retailers, specialty retailers, and industry design professionals who provided coaching and feedback on the overall marketability and attractiveness of their items.
The workshop served as a steppingstone for producers preparing for a Kentucky Proud Vendor Expo taking place Sept. 18, 2026, at the Shelbyville Conference Center. The expo will provide an exclusive buyer event. for emerging Kentucky Proud retail ready members.