NCDA&CS to host workshops for farmers market managers

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will host three workshops focusing on growing local farmers markets across North Carolina. The one-day trainings are scheduled for Wilmington, Smithfield and Fletcher.

The workshops, geared toward market managers and their board members, will cover a range of topics such as food safety, effective promotional techniques and an overview of past and future marketing opportunities.

“With more than 200 local and regional farmers markets across the state, it’s never been easier to find locally grown food in North Carolina,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “These workshops provide market managers with helpful information and new ideas they can use to support local farmers and thrive in their communities.”

All workshops will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost for each is $20, and covers materials and lunch. Pre-registration is required. Following is the workshop schedule:

•Feb. 22 at the New Hanover County Government Center in Wilmington
•March 8 at the Johnston County Cooperative Extension Office in Smithfield
•March 13 at the Virginia Boone Building at the WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher

Registration forms can be found at www.ncagr.gov/markets/agribiz /. For more information about the workshops, contact Kevin Hardison at 919-707-3123 or at kevin.hardison@ncagr.gov, or Annette Dunlap at 919-707-3117 or annette.dunlap@ncagr.gov.