oin us for this learning and networking opportunity.

Selling locally grown and produced foods can be a great way for entrepreneurs to start or grow a small business, as consumers have growing interest in purchasing local foods and supporting local businesses. Understanding food safety and the regulations related to growing, processing and selling local foods is an important first step when taking products to market. Thinking through best business and marketing practices is key to long term success.

This workshop will provide education for current and aspiring farmers and food producers looking to sell at farmers markets or through other local food marketing channels. Topics include; the Missouri Cottage Food Law, food safety, regulations, labeling, pricing, marketing, customer service skills, building displays, and exploring non-farmers market alternatives such as small grocers, restaurants and CSA’s a.k.a. community supported agriculture.

We will have a panel of local farmer’s market vendors who will share their insights, experiences, successes, and challenges of being a local food producer.

The farmer/expert panel will include;

Lynn Gibson of Addy’s Creations
Mary Behrens of Mary’s Herbs & Baked Goods
John Poole of Lumley Locker
Steve Huse of Hope Farms
Frank Lemongelli of the Marion County Health Department
Check-in begins at 8:45, and the workshop will run from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Registration is required by midnight on 3/11/24. Lunch will be provided.