|
FRANKFORT
, Ky. — Kentucky growers are gearing up for the Commonwealth's
biggest Farmers' Market season ever.
Some
87 markets are preparing offerings of fruits, vegetables,
nursery plants, baked goods, jams, jellies and other
items. Another six are working to get established for
the upcoming season. The markets will serve about 1,400
Kentucky producers.
“Farmers'
markets are a great way for growers to try producing
and selling different products at low risk,” Agriculture
Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “They also give the
consumer a chance to meet the people who grow their
food. Some of the bigger markets provide entertainment
and community events that attract hundreds of consumers
from miles around. Farmers' markets are an important
means of direct marketing, and we're glad so many producers
are participating.”
The
Kentucky Department of Agriculture is offering three
market improvement retreats in March to help farmers'
markets develop marketing plans, solve problems and
consider ideas from markets all over the country. Fifty-two
people from 16 farmers' markets have registered to attend
the retreats, said Janet Eaton, the Department's farmers'
market coordinator. The retreats are March 4-5 at Pennyrile
Forest State Resort Park in Dawson Springs, March 11-12
at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park in Prestonsburg, and
March 18-19 at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park in
Corbin.
The
educational sessions will cover market setup and displays,
by-laws and market structure, market ambience, developing
partnerships, unique ideas, market location and design,
advertising and promotion, vendor mix and membership
requirements, and other topics of interest.
KDA
provides on-site evaluations, one-to-one consultations
and resource development as well as educational opportunities
to producers, market management and community leaders.
The
Department also administers the Farmers' Market Nutritional
Programs, which provide coupons to senior citizens and
WIC recipients that can be redeemed at local farmers'
markets. Nearly $450,000 worth of coupons was redeemed
in 2003, the first year for the senior FMNP program.
For
more information on Kentucky farmers' markets, contact
Janet Eaton by phone at (502) 564-4983 or by e-mail
at janet.eaton@kyagr.com.
-30-
|
