Field School: Marketing & Sales

Join us for a class all about marketing and sales led by experienced farmers and market managers Lisa Wheeler Duff and ruth tyson!

This session will explore a range of sales outlets, with a focus on farmers markets and CSAs. Drawing from years of hands-on experience, Lisa and ruth will share insights on market types, associated costs, and strategies for success. Participants will also learn how to assess which outlets are the best fit for their products and goals, along with practical tips and best practices to strengthen their marketing approach.

About the Field School

The Farm Alliance of Baltimore (FAB) is proud to launch Black Butterfly Urban Farmer Academy (BBUFA) Field School. Running from March to December, this series of hands-on workshops is intended to serve as an accessible point of entry for anyone interested in learning the seasonal fundamentals of urban agriculture. No previous farming experience is required to participate!

The BBUFA Field School's schedule is split up into three sessions: spring, summer, and fall. The majority of instruction will take place on site at FAB's teaching farm in South Baltimore, with occasional classroom sessions depending on content.

Learn more about the history of the Black Butterfly Urban Farmer Academy program on our website.

About the Facilitator

Lisa Wheeler Duff is a Certified Organic CSA farmer with over 15 years of experience and the founder of Oak Spring Farm. She built her farm from the ground up and understands firsthand how pricing, boundaries, and burnout can make or break a farm business. Lisa is also the founder of CSA Love, where she helps CSA farmers build profitable, streamlined operations they enjoy running. Through coaching and education, Lisa supports farmers in strengthening leadership, increasing profitability, and creating farm businesses that sustain both their values and their lives.

A plant-lover and naturalist at heart, ruth tyson has invested in understanding her curiosity and passion for gardening as a bridge between the issues impacting the natural and human social worlds. After studying Sociology and Environmental Studies, she committed to building sovereign, sustainable, transparent, and just local food economies for communities like the food apartheid-impacted neighborhood in Prince George’s County where she grew up. Ten years ago, ruth began selling produce at farmers markets and has managed markets for the past 4 years. Her approach prioritizes fun, culturally relevant, community-driven and educational experiences for consumers while upholding clear expectations and fair compensation for farmers and vendors.

Additional Information

This workshop will be held indoors. We encourage you to bring a water bottle! Extra water, masks, and hand sanitizer will be provided.

• Parking: Parking is available in the lot on the north side of the Union Mill building. Street parking is also available in the neighborhood.
• Restrooms: There is a restroom on site.
• Accessibility: Please enter on the north side of the building. The conference room is on the first floor with ramp access. Seating will be provided.
• Illness: Please do not attend this event if you are sick or experiencing symptoms of illness including but not limited to fever, coughing, and/or vomiting.
• Cancellation Policy: In the event that we need to cancel due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, attendees will receive an email notification.

Questions? Please contact [email protected]

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Host or Publisher Farm Alliance of Baltimore