Penn State Extension will host a series of workshops titled "Wholesale Buying and Selling Through Produce Auctions" in June and July. The workshops are designed for buyers and growers with little to no previous auction experience who wish to learn how auctions can support their business's needs.

The workshops will examine the benefits of produce auctions to farmers and wholesale buyers, explain what it takes to be successful, and debunk common myths associated with the market channel. Participants will tour the auction, talk with an auctioneer, and watch a live auction with guidance and commentary from Extension educators.

All workshops will be held in person and will run from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Workshops will be held at Leola Produce Auction, 135 Brethren Church Road, Leola, on Tuesday, June 7; Oxford Produce Auction, 190 Union School Road, Oxford, on Tuesday, June 14; and at Kutztown Produce Auction, 209 Oak Haven Road, Fleetwood, on Tuesday, July 5.

The workshops are free of charge. New and established fruit and vegetable growers, chefs and restaurant buyers, retail market operators, institutional procurement staff members, food processors and co-packers, farm-to-school buyers, and other wholesale buyers are encouraged to attend one of the workshops.

To register, visit http://www.extension.psu.edu and search for "Wholesale Buying and Selling Through Produce Auctions" or call 877-345-0691. The workshops are supported by a Specialty Crop Block Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Participants are welcome to stay and participate in the auction. Cash and check will be accepted forms of payment at the auction. For additional information on the benefits of buying at produce auctions, visit the aforementioned website and search for "4 Benefits of Buying at the Produce Auction"; also, a recap of previous auction programs can be found by searching for "Penn State Extension Leads Produce Auction Tours for Buyers."