Farmers markets across the state are doing much more than just providing a source of fresh local food. The vendors offering their products, as well as consumers taking advantage of those items are also stimulating the local economy. There are now 130 active farmers markets in Kansas compared to the 26 in operation in 1987.
To help current and prospective market vendors, a regional Farmers Market Vendor Workshop will be held on Friday, January 30 at the KSU Ag Research Center Auditorium, 1232 240th Avenue in Hays. The workshops are co-sponsored by K-State Research and Extension and the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s From the Land of Kansas trademark program.
The program will be held from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Speakers, breakout sessions and panelists will provide helpful information for those who want to capitalize on the popularity of farmers markets in Kansas. Topics include vendor best practices, regulations, tips for marketing, sales tax requirements, accepting non-cash payments, labeling requirements, value-added food products and expanding your growing season. Ellis County vendors Allen Schmidt and Tatum Kimzey will be included among the program speakers.
“Selling items directly to consumers through farmers markets provides producers a chance to develop their own business, but it has its own set of legal, safety and financial issues, too,” said Londa Nwadike, a consumer food safety specialist with K-State Research and Extension and the University of Missouri.
While vendors selling food items such as fresh vegetables, baked goods and homemade jams and jellies have special guidelines, vendors selling other items (crafts, jewelry, wood-working, etc) will also find useful information at the workshop.
The early-bird registration deadline is January 15 th. A fee of $20 per person will cover the costs of the conference, including lunch. A $5 charge will be added for those who register after January 15th or at the door. Lunch cannot be guaranteed for late registrations.
Registration information for the January 30 th workshop in Hays and an online registration form can be found at: http://fromthelandofkansas.com/event/regional-farmers-market-vendor-workshop-northwest-kansas.
The Hays workshop is one of five regional farmers market vendor training conferences offered across the state in January, February and March. For dates and registration information for other locations, see www.fromthelandofkansas.com/FMConference.
Linda K. Beech is Ellis County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences.