The Kansas Department of Agriculture, K-State Research and Extension and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment will host a regional workshop in Hays on Friday, Feb. 22, at the K-State Agricultural Research Center. This is one of six regional workshops which are being held this winter to assist farmers market vendors and managers.
Kansas farmers markets not only provide a fresh food source, but also stimulate the local economy. In 2018, 95 farmers markets were registered with KDA’s Central Registration of Farmers Markets.
“Farmers markets provide growers a wonderful opportunity to have real interaction with consumers, and a chance to tell their farm’s story,” said Londa Nwadike, consumer food safety specialist with K-State Research and Extension and the University of Missouri. “It’s also important for farmers to understand certain legal, safety and financial parameters before choosing to sell at a farmers market.”
A keynote presentation will feature tips on marketing and making a profit, and a panel will provide information about selling to institutions such as restaurants, groceries and schools. KDA’s weights and measures program will also offer free scale certification for attendees. Workshop topics will include:
• Pest Control Methods, Cover Crops and Soil Health
• Regulations for Selling Meat, Eggs and Poultry
• SNAP Program and Sales Tax for Vendors
• Specialty Crops and Produce Safety
• Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Training
The workshop will be held at the K-State Agricultural Research Center, 1232 240th Ave. in Hays. Onsite registration will open at 8:30 a.m. and the workshops will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude by 3 p.m. Registration for this workshop is now open and is $20 per participant. Registration includes lunch; however, lunch will only be guaranteed to those participants who register by Feb. 14. Registration forms can be found at FromtheLandofKansas.com/FMWorkshop or at local extension offices.
For more information, contact Lexi Wright, KDA’s From the Land of Kansas marketing coordinator, at 785-564-6755 or Lexi.Wright@ks.gov. Workshops are also being held in Olathe, Parsons, Dodge City, Wichita and Manhattan.
KDA is committed to providing an environment that enhances and encourages economic growth of the agriculture industry and the Kansas economy. The Kansas Ag Growth Strategy has identified training for small companies via workshops as a key growth outcome for the specialty crop sector, particularly in the western half of the state. The farmers’ market workshops will provide education through partnerships to help make Kansas farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses more successful.
Alicia Boor is the Agriculture and Natural Resources agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. Contact her by email at aboor@ksu.edu or call 620-793-1910.
