NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT:
Thursday, October 25, 2012 Margaret Hart, Communications Coordinator
651-201-6131, Margaret.hart@state.mn.us
Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association to celebrate successful season
November conference will highlight 2012 season and future trends
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota farmers’ market vendors and managers are invited to celebrate the success of the 2012 summer season at the Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association’s (MFMA) daylong conference November 8 in Waite Park, Minnesota. The event is open to existing market vendors, managers, those considering the start-up of a farmers’ market, and the public.
MFMA President Bill Otto says farmers’ markets have seen tremendous growth in Minnesota and across the U.S.
“Every year we’ve seen the establishment of more markets and an increase in the number of vendors,” said Otto. “Conference attendees will be asked to share their highlights from the last season and we’ll examine some future trends as well.”
Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Food Inspection Supervisor Katherine Simon will give a presentation on the rules and regulations of selling and sampling at a farmers’ market including licensing, hand-washing, and food sample distribution requirements.
Minnesota Grown Program Director Paul Hugunin and MDA’s Organic Specialist Meg Moynihan will discuss how these programs help promote farmers and their locally grown products at markets throughout the state.
Other presentations will cover farmers’ market certification, available grants, insurance, and providing access to locally grown foods for recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
The conference will be held November 8, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the American Legion Silver Star Post 428 in Waite Park, Minnesota. Registration is $40 at the door. More information is on the MFMA website at www.mfma.org.
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