As I am writing this column, temperatures are dropping again and snow is predicted. While we need the moisture desperately, it seems a little early to talk about fresh garden produce and farmers’ markets. Yet that is exactly what I want to do today. I am happy to share information about a Regional Workshop for Farmers’ Market vendors that is just around the corner.
Farmers’ markets are growing across the state and continue to be an important source of fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy and other agricultural products. In 2017, 85 farmers’ markets were registered with the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Central Registration of Farmers’ Markets.
The Regional Workshop we are hosting in Great Bend is set from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. om Friday, Feb. 2, at Trinity Lutheran Church – Fellowship Hall, 2701 24th Street. I would encourage current and prospective farmers’ market vendors to attend this event. The Great Bend regional workshop will cover the following topics:
• Marketing and pricing tips
• Growing in high tunnels 101
• Regulations on selling meat, eggs & poultry direct to consumer
• SNAP Program and sales tax for vendors
• Vendor marketing and communication
• Food safety inspection requirements
• Kansas Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program Certified Farmer Training - The Kansas Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program Certified Farmer Training session is required for all new farmers who wish to participate in the KSFMNP. All farmers must complete training and submit an annual agreement with KDHE. Visit www.kdheks.gov/sfmnp for details.
Vendors may also bring their sales scale to get tested and certified for FREE by the Kansas Department of Agriculture.
Registration for the workshop is $20 per participant, which includes lunch. Lunch cannot be guaranteed for those registering after January 19th. Participants may register on line at: FromtheLandofKansas.com/FMConference or you may stop by either of the Cottonwood Extension District offices at: 1800 12th Street in Great Bend or 601 Main Street in Hays.
There are a total of five Regional Workshops for Farmers’ Market vendors across Kansas. The dates and sites include: Colby, Feb. 1; Wichita, Feb. 3; Olathe, Feb. 9; and Chanute, Feb. 10. Sponsors for the workshops include: K-State Research & Extension, Kansas Department of Agriculture; Kansas Department of Health and Environment and From the Land of Kansas. The From the Land of Kansas and Farmers’ Market Annual Conference will be March 1-2 in Manhattan. This conference is for Kansas based businesses and farmers’ market managers.
Donna Krug is the Family & Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. Contact her at 620-793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu.
