Farmers’ markets and direct-to-consumer opportunities are growing across the state.

Farmers’ markets and direct-to-consumer sales 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 2023, more than 100 farmers' markets were registered with the Kansas Department of Agriculture's Central Registration of Kansas Farmers' Markets.

2024 Local Food Producer Workshops:

Four in-person Local Food Producer Workshops (formerly the farmers' market/direct-to-consumer workshops) were held this February and March. This is a great opportunity to connect with other producers and learn more about how to sell high quality, safe and healthy food to benefit local community. These workshops are co-sponsored by the K-State Research and Extension, the Kansas Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Alternative Crops, and the Kansas Department of Agriculture. 

The following are presentations shared during the 2024 workshops.

Meat & Poultry Regulations (Recording) - Kansas Department of Agriculture

Kansas Sales Tax (Recording) - Kansas Department of Revenue

Local Grower Panel (Recording) - Recorded at the workshop held in Olathe

Tips on Marketing and Making a Profit Selling Local Food (Recording) - James Leek, Pat and Rachel’s Gardens

Food Sales at Farmers' Markets (Recording) - Kansas Department of Agriculture, Division of Food Safety and Lodging

Business Planning, Accounting and Recordkeeping (Recording) - Tom Buller, Kansas Rural Center

Accepting SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) at Farmers' Markets (Recording) - Market Link; Mid-America Regional Council (MARC); Eli O'Sullivan Kurtz, Cultivate KC

Kansas Value Added Foods Lab (PDF) - K-State Research and Extension

Additional Resources