Released: February 26, 2004

Farmers’ Market Expert to Speak at Upcoming Conference

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Managing and expanding farmers’ markets will be key topics during a day-long farmers’ market workshop scheduled for March 20 in Topeka. The workshop is being organized by the Kansas Rural Center, Kansas Department of Commerce, Kansas State University Research and Extension and the Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops.

Vance Corum, one of the nation’s leading farmers’ market consultants, will be the event’s featured speaker. Corum will discuss market promotion and management and give tips on market displays. As a direct marketing specialist, he organized the first farmers’ market in southern California and has helped more than 65 communities establish such markets. He is also co-author of the book, The New Farmers’ Market.

“Vance Corum will bring his knowledge of farmers’ markets across the United States to Kansans,” says Jerry Jost, Heartland Sustainable Agriculture Network Coordinator for the Kansas Rural Center. “Both his research and practical experience make this free workshop a great way to usher in the new farmers’ market season.”

Other featured presenters include Jost, Chuck Marr, K-State horticulturist; Becki Rhoades, Kansas Department of Commerce marketing specialist; and Tamara Tiemann, Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program Manager. Jost will talk about business planning for a market, while Marr will offer ideas and tips on creating market display signs with a personal computer. Rhoades will discuss resources to expand a farmers’ market and Tiemann will provide information for Kansas markets that qualify for the 2004 Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program.

There are no registration fees for the workshop, however interested participants are asked to register by March 15. For more information or to register, contact Jost at (785) 865-2555 or jjost@myvine.com . More information can be found on the KCSAAC Web site at www.kansassustainableag.org under the Calendar of Events page.

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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
lms4577@ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News