The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA), K-State Research and Extension and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment will host four regional workshops in 2016 to assist farmers’ market vendors and managers.
Kansas farmers’ markets not only provide a fresh food source, but also stimulate the local economy. In 2015, 56 farmers’ markets were registered with KDA’s Central Registration of Farmers’ Markets.
“While selling food directly to consumers through farmers’ markets provides growers a chance to tell their farm’s story, there are also legal, safety and financial parameters that farmers need to understand before choosing this marketing tool,” said Londa Nwadike, consumer food safety specialist with K-State Research and Extension and the University of Missouri.
Workshop topics will vary slightly by location. Highlighted topics include:
- Planning your production planting for market season
- Food safety requirements and updates
- Vendor panels on marketing and other best practices
- Value-added food product safety
- Accepting non-cash payments (EBT, SFMNP)
KDA’s Division of Weights and Measures will also offer free scale certification at the workshops for attendees.
Dates and locations are as follows:
- January 29 – KSU Agriculture Research Center, 1232 240th Ave., Hays, Kan.
- February 6 – KSU Sedgwick County Extension Office, 7001 W 21st Street N., Wichita, Kan.
- February 20 – KSU Research and Extension Southeast Center, 25092 Ness Rd., Parsons, Kan.
- March 11 – KSU Olathe, 22201 W. Innovation Dr., Olathe, Kan.
Early bird registration is $20 and closes 10 days prior to the event. Participants can also register after the early bird registration or on site for $25. Registration includes lunch. Registration forms can be found at FromtheLandofKansas.com/FMConference or at the local extension offices.
Onsite registration will open at 8:30 a.m. and the workshops will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude by 4 p.m. The Wichita workshop will begin at 8:45 a.m.
KDA is committed to providing an environment that enhances and encourages economic growth of the agriculture industry and the Kansas economy. These workshops will provide support and assistance to help make Kansas businesses more successful.
For more information, contact Julie Roller, KDA agriculture marketing specialist, at: (785) 564-6755 or Julie.roller@kda.ks.gov.