The Kansas Department of Agriculture and K-State Research and Extension (KSRE) will host six regional Local Food Producer Workshops to support farmers’ market vendors, managers, and those interested in selling food products directly to consumers. Kansas farmers’ markets play a vital role in providing fresh food and boosting the local economy. In 2024, over 100 farmers’ markets were registered with the KDA’s Central Registration of Farmers’ Markets.
Workshop topics will vary by location, with key areas of focus including:
- Marketing
- Food Safety
- Regulations for Selling Meat, Eggs, and Poultry
- Sales Tax for Vendors
- Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Training
In addition, KDA’s weights and measures program will provide free scale certification for attendees at the workshops.
Dates and locations for the Local Food Producer Workshops include:
Friday, January 31 — Manhattan: Pottorf Hall, Riley County Fairgrounds
Saturday, February 1 — Wichita: Sedgwick County Extension Education Center
Friday, February 7 — Olathe: K-State Olathe
Friday, February 21 — Chanute: Neosho County Community College
Friday, February 28 — Hays: K-State Agricultural Research Center
Friday, March 28 — Garden City: Southwest Research–Extension Center
Registration for the workshops is now open, with a fee of $25 per participant. More details and registration can be found at From the Land of Kansas, K-State Research and Extension, or by contacting local extension offices.
“We strive to provide education to Kansas farmers’ markets and agricultural businesses to help them thrive,” said Sammy Gleason, KDA’s From the Land of Kansas manager. “These workshops will support local businesses by providing up-to-date food safety information and new marketing insights for direct consumers.”
