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 and recordings will be available soon. Below are the resources shared during these sessions.

Lunch and Learn Session Resources:

Tuesday:

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:

Meat and Poultry Regulations - Kansas Department of Agriculture

Thursday:

Sales Tax - Kansas Department of Revenue

Accepting SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) /EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) - MarketLink

 

Friday's Main Workshop Session Resources:

COVID-19: Spring/Summer Activity Safety- Kansas Department of Health and Environment

Double Up Food Bucks Program Overview

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:

Friday, March 5, 12-1 p.m.: Kansas Produce Safety Update - 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.