LEWISTON — The New Farmer Workshop Series will be held every Tuesday beginning Jan. 31 and ending March 13, according to a news release.

In case of a storm event requiring a cancellation, the workshop will be held the next day at the same time.

The first workshop, “Farm Business Basics,” will be held Jan. 31 at the Ramada Inn on Pleasant Street in Lewiston. Registration begins at 9 a.m. The morning topics will cover business planning; record keeping; farm and crop insurance; value-added products for vegetables, fruit and forestry; market planning and marketing products legally in Maine. The afternoon sessions will cover USDA financing, and also conventional and alternative financing. A panel discussion will allow for a question-and-answer period.

The Androscoggin Valley Soil and Water Conservation District received funding for the series from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the first workshop is partially sponsored by Farm Credit of Maine.

Where space is limited, preference will be given to those registering for all seven workshops. The registration deadline to attend all seven workshops is Jan. 17. The registration fee for all seven workshops is $50 with a maximum of two people per farm allowed to attend for this fee.

To only attend the “Farm Business Basics” workshop, the cost is $15 per person, and your registration must be received by Jan. 24. Pre-registration is required.

For more information, contact Jane Heikkinen at 753- 9400, ext. 400.

news@timesrecord.com