The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA), K-State Research and Extension and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment will host a regional workshop in Olathe on Friday, March 11, to assist farmers’ market vendors and managers. This is the last of four regional workshops which have been hosted by the KDA this year.
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 include:
- Kansas sales tax requirements
- Food safety inspection requirements
- Vendor panels on marketing and other best practices
- Value-added food product safety
- Accepting non-cash payments (EBT, SFMNP)
- Planning your production planting for market season
KDA’s Division of Weights and Measures will also offer free scale certification for workshop attendees.
The workshop will be held at KSU Olathe, 22201 W. Innovation Dr., Olathe, Kan. Onsite registration will open at 8:30 and the workshop will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude by 4 p.m.
Early bird registration is $20 and closes on March 1. Participants can register on site for $25. Registration includes lunch. Registration forms can be found at FromtheLandofKansas.com/FMConference or at the Johnson County extension office. Please return the completed form and payment to: KSU Olathe, c/o Londa Nwadike, 22201 W. Innovation Dr., Olathe, KS 66061.
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, please contact Londa Nwadike, KSU Research and Extension, at (913) 307-7391 or lnwadike@ksu.edu.