Farmers’ markets and direct-to-consumer opportunities are growing across the state and continue to be an important source of fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy and other value added agricultural products from small towns to large metropolitan areas. In 2020, 76 farmers' markets were registered with the Kansas Department of Agriculture's Central Registration of Farmers' Markets.

To support Kansas' farmer's markets, six workshops are generally held throughout the state in February. Due to COVID-19, these workshops were held virtually this year. These workshops are hosted by the Kansas Department of Agriculture and K-State Research & Extension.

The 2021 Farmers' Market/Direct-To-Consumer Virtual Workshop sessions have concluded. Below are the recordings and resources shared during these sessions.

Lunch and Learn Session Resources:

TUESDAY: 

Recorded Webinar

Webinar Q&A

Presentations:

• Food Safety - Kansas Department of Agriculture
• Kansas Value Added Foods Lab - K-State Research & Extension
• Virtual Tour of the Kansas Value Added Foods Lab

WEDNESDAY:

Recorded Webinar

Webinar Q&A

Presentation:

• Meat and Poultry Regulations - Kansas Department of Agriculture

THURSDAY:

Recorded Webinar

Webinar Q&A

Presentations:

• Sales Tax - Kansas Department of Revenue
• Accepting SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) /EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) - MarketLink

Friday's Main Workshop Session Resources: 

Recorded Webinar

Webinar Q&A

Presentations:

• COVID-19: Spring/Summer Activity Safety- Kansas Department of Health and Environment
• Double Up Food Bucks Program Overview
  • Video: How to Use Double Up Food Bucks
• Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program* - Kansas Department of Health and Environment
  • Information for Farmers and Growers
  • *An interactive training session for the Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is required for all new farmers who wish to participate in the SFMNP. Interactive training may occur during an online training (such as those hosted during this Farmers Market/Direct-to-Consumer Workshops). Returning farmers at a minimum need to review the training slides available on the KDHE webpage (or watch the recording of this session). All farmers must submit an annual agreement to KDHE. Visit www.kdheks.gov/sfmnp
• From the Land of Kansas and the Central Registration for Kansas Farmers Markets - From the Land of Kansas

Additional Resources:

• Pet Treats
  • Pet Treat Label Handout - What is required on a label? What does the label on your pet food product tell you?
  • Pet Treat Label Video
• Live Plants
  • Kansas Live Plant Dealer License Handout - What you need to know before landscaping, distributing, or selling plants in Kansas.
  • Selling Live Plants in Kansas - Guidance for Farmers' Market Vendors

Upcoming Sessions:

Tuesday, March 23, 12-1 p.m.: Morel Mushroom Identification Online Training - Register Here

Monday, March 29, 6-7 p.m.: Morel Mushroom Identification Online Training - Register Here

 

These virtual workshop sessions are supported by the Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops (KCSAAC) and the Kansas Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SARE), and is hosted by the Kansas Department of Agriculture and K-State Research & Extension.