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Workshop For Farmers Market Vendors Is April 15
WEBB CITY, MO.
A local foods workshop to help farmers markets vendors increase sales is set for 1 p.m. Saturday, April 15, at the Webb City Public Library.
The session gives farmers market vendors information on how to market their produce and increase sales. University of Missouri Extension specialists will tell how to display produce to attract customers. They also will talk about why signs, pamphlets and other marketing tools are important.
MU Extension horticulture specialist Robert Balek says vendors will learn how to follow health regulations when giving samples of their products. “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,” Balek says.
Vendors will learn proper food storage and handling methods. Farmers market vendors must follow Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services regulations and county health codes.
Balek worked with vendors last year and says they saw increased sales.
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 Webb City Public Library is at 101 S. Liberty St., Webb City. Contact Balek at balekr@missouri.edu or 417-358-2158, or Eileen Nichols at 417-483-8139.
Balek suggests reservations.
Webb City Farmers Market sponsors the free event. ∆
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