| | Farmers’ markets are big business in Alberta, with more than $900 million in annual sales. Getting into Farmers’ Markets workshop on February 12, 2019, in Wetaskiwin, explores how to enter this market channel with the right skills. Karen Goad, farm direct marketing specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (AF), has the workshop details.
“Farmers’ market sales is the easiest and most common market channel for people to pursue when they are first starting a food-based business,” explains Goad. “We thought it would really make sense to do a one-day in-depth workshop looking at the ins and outs of actually becoming a farmers’ market vendor.”
The workshop covers what farmers’ markets are, how they operate in the province, what an Alberta approved farmers’ market is and what that means, as well as what to look for in a market. A farmers’ market manager will talk about what managers expect from new vendors at the market.
Goad says a highlight of the day will be hearing from two current farmers’ market vendors - Jean Purschke of Auntie Jean’s Fudge and Sundog Organic Farm’s Jenny Berkenbosch.
“They will each share their story of how they got involved in farmers’ markets, the highs and lows, and what they have learned while developing their business. These two producers have really done a bang up job of developing their business, and the advice that they can share by telling their story is phenomenal. Some of the display tips that Jenny shares will provide a huge marketing edge to new vendors.”
The workshop will also cover both federal and provincial regulations, the costs involved when selling at a farmers’ market, what kind of equipment will be needed and where to source it.
“Certainly by the end of this workshop, any participating entrepreneur will be able to go home, start their research and start building their business case to actually become a farmers’ market vendor,” Goad adds.
The workshop is a partnership between the Wetaskiwin area Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI), REACH and AF’s Explore Local team.
Register for the Getting into Farmers’ Markets workshop, February 12 in Wetaskiwin. Deadline to register is February 5. For more information, contact Joan at 780-361-6231.
Contact:
Karen Goad
780-538-5629 |
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