Released: February 27, 2003

Farmers’ Market Popularity Soars -- Workshop Planned in Topeka On March 22

MANHATTAN, Kan. - With the 2003 farmers’ market season just around the corner, vendors around the state are gearing up for what they hope will be another profitable year.

Farmers’ markets can be dated back as far as the early 1800s. In the first few decades of the 19th century, most cities with at least 30,000 residents sponsored municipal markets, the precursor to today’s farmers’ market. Jerry Jost of the Kansas Rural Center said within the last 20 years, farmers’ markets have been making a comeback.

"Nationwide, there has been 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 as well."

Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture show the number of farmers’ markets in the country increased 79 percent from 1994 to 2002. In 2002, the National Farmers’ Market Directory listed over 3,100 markets operating in the United States with approximately 19,000 farmers selling produce exclusively at the market.

Kansas has around 50 farmers’ markets, and the number is increasing each year. Jana Beckman, coordinator of the Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops, attributes that growth to consumers’ increasing desire to purchase local foods.

"Buying food from local farmers is a win-win for everyone," Beckman said. "It gives the farmer a market place and the consumer access to fresh and wholesome foods."

Karen Pendleton, owner of Pendleton’s Country Market in Lawrence agrees.

"There are those that come because they want fresh produce, others to support local growers and many come for the social aspect of the markets," Pendleton said.

For whatever reason patrons visit, market vendors and managers will have a chance to prepare for the upcoming season at the annual "Grow Your Farmers’ Market" workshop, scheduled March 22 in Topeka. The event is being organized by the Kansas Rural Center and KCSAAC.

The workshop will feature speakers addressing a variety of issues dealing with today’s farmers’ markets. Topics include sessions on selling your harvest, getting your story out, managing a market, creating safe markets and navigating legal issues.

"Last year’s workshop drew a large crowd and we hope for even more participation this year," Beckman said. "It will be a great opportunity for vendors, managers and even the general public to gather ideas for their markets."

There is no cost to attend the event. However, interested persons are asked to pre-register with Jost by March 14 to ensure adequate lunch preparation. 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