Released: February 12, 2003

Farmers’ Market Workshop Scheduled

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Tips on improving and expanding farmers’ markets will highlight the annual "Grow Your Farmers’ Market" workshop, scheduled March 22, in Topeka. The event is organized by the Kansas Rural Center and the Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops.

The workshop is open to farmers’ market vendors and managers, as well as county and city officials, Cooperative Extension personnel and the general public. With farmers’ markets making a comeback across the country, Jerry Jost of the Kansas Rural Center said the workshop will offer vendors and managers an opportunity to get energized for the upcoming season.

"Nationwide, there is a renaissance of farmers’ markets as people seek out fresh food and a sense of community," Jost said. "New farmers’ markets are sprouting here in Kansas too. This workshop will help cultivate our local markets."

The workshop will feature speakers addressing a variety of issues dealing with today’s farmers’ markets. Topics include sessions on clarifying your market’s purpose, legal issues concerning farmers’ markets, creating safe markets and learning about market research.

Bob Neier, Sedgwick County Extension horticulture agent, said participants should find at least one bit of information to take home and apply to their market from either the speakers or other participants. It is important to keep learning and expanding ideas for a farmers’ market, he said.

Georgia Paulsen, administrator of the downtown Topeka farmers’ market, agrees.

"The workshops are extremely helpful and worth the time," Paulsen said. "It is nice to be able to network with similar people who are doing the same things as you."

In addition to presentations, the workshop will offer participants an opportunity to network with other market managers and vendors. Information on topics ranging from running a smooth, safe and fun market to promotion will also be available.

There is no charge for the workshop and a complimentary lunch will be served. However, interested participants are asked to pre-register by March 14 for meal planning purposes. For more information or to register, contact Jost at (785) 865-2555 or email jjost@grapevine.net.

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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Lisa Solomon, Communications Assistant
lms4577@ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News