A public forum addressing value-added agriculture and kenaf will be held Tuesday, July 11, at Southwestern Oklahoma State University's Conference Center on the Weatherford campus.
Admission is free.
Jon Chiappe of the BDC said the first steps toward creating or attracting a value-added agricultural facility are the strategic planning process and market feasibility studies. The July 11 meeting will begin the strategic planning process. Bledsoe will begin the meeting with information about agricultural diversification programs and lead an open discussion about the strategic planning process as it relates to value-added agriculture. Williams will discuss his experiences with kenaf and other annual fiber crops in the paper pulping industry. Interested individuals who would like to learn more or get involved are invited to attend the forum.