FYI: Market News You Can Use

Missouri Farmers’ Markets will begin podcasting within the next two weeks. The Missouri Department of Agriculture will starting: Experience Missouri Farmers’ Markets Podcasts that will feature various markets and vendors across the state, with in depth interviews on such topics as the Missouri Farmers’ Market Association, Cut Flowers, Bison, Market of the Year Awards, Missouri Farmers’ Market EBT Program, Consumer Buying Tips, Importance of Buying Local and much, much more! Be looking for the first of 12 installments of our podcast schedule this season. Podcasts will be produced by the Brownfield Farm Radio Network.

The long awaited Canvas Tote Bags are now available for sale. The bags are 14”h x 18”wx5”d with a zipper top and small pocket on the outside that has a new designer farmers’ market logo (logo pictured). Bags are $2.50 per bag and if you buy 10 bags, you get 10 free, with a maximum order of 60 bags, plus $.50 for shipping. Order forms have been sent out to all markets. If you need an order form please contact MDA Intern, Charlotte Jackson at 573-526-2061 or Charlotte.Jackson@mda.mo.gov.

The new Missouri Farmers’ Market Start-Up Handbook is also printed and ready to go. The handbook is for new markets or markets looking to re-organize. The book is a one-stop-shop on everything needed to know about starting and selling at a farmers’ market in Missouri. The handbook will be available online at the Missouri Farmers’ Market Resource Page within the next week as well.

Congrats to the Missouri Farmers’ Market Association (MFMA) on the 75 market to join the association. The MFMA continues to grow each year and offers many wonderful opportunities each year to our markets. If your market isn’t a member of the organization, I encourage you to join MFMA today. Contact Eileen Nichols via email: eileennichols@sbcglobal.net.

One final note: I will be starting vacation Friday, May 23 and will be unable to check email or voicemail until Thursday, June 12, as I will be out of the country. Intern Charlotte Jackson will take care of any market questions during that time. Thanks for your patience during this time.