Farmers' Market Conference for Managers and Vendors to be Held
REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio -- Ohio’s first conference for farmers’ market managers and vendors will be held March 4-5 at the Ohio Department of Agriculture in Reynoldsburg.
The two-day Statewide Farmers’ Market Conference is geared towards farmers’ market managers, vendors, and community development stakeholders interested in starting or expanding farmers’ markets in their communities. Topics being covered include food safety, funding opportunities for markets, and direct marketing. Also, invaluable networking opportunities will be available for attendees to share and discuss ideas with other farmers’ market professionals.
The conference is being presented through a collaborative effort of Ohio State University South Centers, Ohio Department of Agriculture, Ohio Farm Bureau, Farmers’ Market Management Network, and the Farmers’ Market Coalition.
The conference will begin at 8:30 a.m. on March 4 and run through 4 p.m. on March 5. Registration fees for Farmers’ Market Management Network members are $100 for both days, $70 for March 4 only, and $50 for March 5 only. Non-member fees are $125 for both days, $80 for March 4 only and $60 for March 5 only. Included in the fees are all presentation materials and the cost of meals.
Conference participants are asked to bring their best marketing piece for the Show n’ Tell Marketing Contest. All conference attendees will then have a chance to vote on the best marketing piece. The winner will be announced on March 5 during lunch and will receive a prize and will be mentioned in event press releases.
For more information about the conference including hotel information, agenda, and directions, log on to http://ohiofarmersmarkets.osu.edu/conference.htm. To register, contact Melissa Hurtt at 800-297-2072, ext. 222, or email at hurtt.8@osu.edu.
Editor’s Note: This article was provided as a news release the Communications and Technology unit of Ohio State University's College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.