Kansas agriculture experts are holding workshops this month to help agriculture producers and vendors get ready for the upcoming farmers’ market season.
One of the workshops is tomorrow at the Sedgwick County Extension Office in west Wichita.
Vendors can brush up on sales tax laws and regulations on selling meat, poultry and eggs. Janelle Dobbins with the Kansas Department of Agriculture says other topics include beekeeping, growing in high tunnels and vendor marketing.
"We also have it so they can bring any of their scales into the workshop and have them certified so they are ready to start the season," Dobbins says.
Dobbins says in recent years, some farmers' markets are helping in underserved areas.
"More communities are trying to have those 'pop-up' farmers’ markets that may even be close to food desert areas to give folks— at least a chance on the weekend — to get fresh fruit and vegetables," she says.
There are 85 registered farmers’ markets across the state. Dobbins says most will open in mid- to late-May.
Dobbins says Kansas farmers’ markets not only provide a fresh food source but also stimulate the local economy and serve as a community gathering spot.
The Kansas Department of Agriculture, K-State Research and Extension and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment are hosting five regional workshops in February. Sessions were held this week in Colby and Great Bend; workshops in Olathe and Chanute are next week.
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