Source:  NCDA&CS, 1/13/11

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ popular farmers market manager workshops are returning with one-day sessions scheduled in February and March for Raleigh, Elizabeth City and Monroe.

The workshops, geared towards market managers and their board members, will cover such topics as marketing to your customers, using Women Infant and Children vouchers at the market, food safety at the market and how to go about finding and applying for grants. In addition, a market manager panel will also share ideas on how to market your farmers market in the off season and retain customer loyalty.

All workshops will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Following is the workshop schedule:
• Feb. 11 at the Gov. James G. Martin Building, State Fairgrounds
• March 11 at the Pasquotank Cooperative Extension Building, Elizabeth City
• March 18 at the Union County Agriculture Services Center, Monroe

“Statewide, we have seen strong growth and interest in local and regional farmers markets, which offer great opportunities for farmers to sell their products directly to the consumer,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We want to help these markets thrive, and these workshops provide good material and ideas for market managers and leaders.”

Cost for the Raleigh workshop is $20, and covers materials and lunch. Pre-registration is required. The deadline is Feb. 4 for the February workshop, and registration will open in early February for the March events.

For more information, contact Kevin Hardison at (919) 707-3123 or at Kevin.hardison@ncagr.gov or Annette Dunlap at (919) 707-3117 or Annette.dunlap@ncagr.gov.