Farmers Market Forum Feb. 19 in Indianapolis

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue Extension's Local Foods Program is continuing to help farmers markets improve their marketing and better understand government regulations through the Indiana Farmers Market Forum.

The event, formerly known as Farmers Market Boot Camp, will be held 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Indiana Farm Bureau Building, 225 S. East St., Indianapolis.

"Indiana has seen a two-fold increase in farmers' markets over the past 10 years," said Jodee Ellett, local foods coordinator for Purdue Extension. "This forum and the new Hoosier Farmers Market Association will work to create a stronger network of markets and market masters throughout Indiana."

New this year in the Exhibition Hall will be farmers market resources and representatives from support organizations including Purdue Extension Local Foods, Hoosier Farmers Market Association and the Indiana State Department of Health.

There will be sessions on marketing your farmers market; maintaining positive manager-vendor relationships; meeting Indiana's food safety and health regulations; increasing participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, at your market; alternatives to traditional farmers markets; a look at your market audience; and state Health Department regulations and HEA 1309 (home-based vendor rules).

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service will have a team on site to provide technical assistance for farmers markets, community-supported agriculture organizations and farmsteads that want to be licensed for transactions under SNAP, previously known as food stamps. 

Registration is $30 and includes lunch. Some of the registration fees can be applied to a Hoosier Farmers Market Association annual membership.

Further details about the forum and registration information are available at www.hoosierfarmersmarkets.org.

Indiana Farmers Market Forum is presented by Hoosier Farmers Market Association and Indiana Cooperative Development Center with support from Purdue Extension; Indiana University's Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Studies; Indiana Farm Bureau and the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.           

Writer: Keith Robinson, 765-494-2722, robins89@purdue.edu 

Source: Jodee Ellett, 765-494 0349, jellett@purdue.edu

Agricultural Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Keith Robinson, robins89@purdue.edu
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