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Workshop For Farmers Market Vendors Set For March 24 In Sikeston
SIKESTON, MO.
A local foods workshop to help farmers market vendors increase sales is set for 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, March 24, at the Clinton Community Building in Sikeston.
The session gives farmers market vendors information on a variety of topics. Extension specialist will discuss the Food Safety Modernization Act and how it affects vendors. Vendors will learn proper food storage and handling methods and sampling at the market. University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist Donna Aufdenberg says vendors will learn how to give samples of their products following health regulations. “We know that sampling at the market can increase sales and customer loyalty, but it must be done right to protect the vendors and their customers,” says Aufdenberg.
Farmers market vendors must follow state regulations and county health codes.
Aufdenberg worked with vendors last year and says they saw increased sales.
Representatives of Lincoln University will talk about small-farm programs. Rachel Heimericks with the Missouri Department of Agriculture will talk about funding for farmers markets. Katie Kammler, MU Extension horticulture specialist, will talk about weed control methods. MU Extension agronomist Rusty Lee will talk about integrated pest management practices for cucumber beetle. There also will be a program on grading, quality and pricing data gathered from markets around Missouri. Scale certification will also be available.
USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program provided grant funds for the program that ends this year. Last year, MU Extension nutrition specialists, nutrition associates and horticulturists gave demonstrations at Chillicothe, Lawson, St. Joseph, Maryville, Hillsboro, De Soto, Raytown, Belton, Unionville, Kirksville, Harrisonville, Nevada, Webb City, Memphis, Parkville and Gladstone.
The Clinton Community Building is at 501 Campanella Drive, Sikeston. Contact Katie Kammler at kammlerk@missouri.edu or 573-883-3548 for more information. A downloadable registration flier is available at extension.missouri.edu/butler, or one can be mailed to you. Registration is $15 and includes lunch. Register by March 20. ∆
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