Postponed-REVERSING THE DOWNWARD TRENDS FOR FARMERS MARKETS

 Due to the evolving outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).  The workshop "Reversing the Downward Trends for Farmers Markets" is postponed to a later date. 

Reversing the Downward Trends for Farmers Market-Adapting Farmers Markets to Match Consumer Trends-What Vendors and Market Masters Need to Know

Farmers across the Northeast have reported marked decreases in consumer participation at farmers markets and reduced sales. Reports from farmers and market managers indicate sales were down anywhere from 20% to 70% over previous annual sales.

To understand this trend, market leaders, Extension agents, and other market professionals in 4 northeastern states developed a consumer survey to begin to understand what drives consumer decisions in purchasing local food and their attitudes towards shopping at farmers markets. The survey collected results from 3,847 participants during the summer of 2018. Based on survey results, the team developed a market manager and vendor toolkit titled A Toolkit for Adapting Farmers Markets to Match Consumer Trends.

The University of Maryland Extension Agricultural Marketing program is holding a workshop featuring resources from the tool kit, handouts, and marketing strategies that examine how to build farmers markets that match what our customers are looking for in local food shopping. Valuable information on pricing, Cottage Foods at Farmers Markets, and supplemental food nutrition programs will also be presented.

REVERSING THE DOWNWARD TRENDS FOR FARMERS MARKETS

Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Time: 9:00 am to 2:30 pm
Location: Maryland Agricultural Research Center, 1114 Shawan Road, Cockeysville, MD 21030
Cost: $35.00 (Lunch included)
Registration: Registration is through the University of Maryland Extension Eventbrite online system at https://farmers-mkt-workshop.eventbrite.com or by calling 301-432-2767 ext. 301. Pre-payment and registration are required for this workshop.

Workshop agenda

• Lessons from A Toolkit for Adapting Farmers Markets to Match Consumer Trends
  Laura Biasillo, Agricultural Economic Development Specialist, Cornell University Extension, and Board of Director -Farmer's Market Federation of NY
  
  
• Why People Buy
  Ginger Myers, Marketing Specialist, University of Maryland Extension
  
  
• Farmers Market Nutrition Program
  Weida Stoecker, Maryland Department of Agriculture
  
  
• Cottage Foods at Farmers Markets
  TBA, Maryland Department of Health
  
  
• Services and Resources to Help Grow Markets
  TBA, Maryland Farmers Market Association

If you require special accommodations or further information about the workshop content, contact Ginger S. Myers, University of Maryland Extension Specialist at gsmyers@umd.edu, 301-432-2767 ext.338. 

University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.