NCDA&CS to host three workshops focused on growing local farmers

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ popular Farmers Market Manager workshops are returning, with one-day sessions scheduled in February and March for Raleigh, Jacksonville and Lexington.
The workshops—geared toward market managers, their board members and market vendors—will cover such topics as customer service, farmers market food safety and grant opportunities. A question-and-answer session with other market managers will also be on the program. The workshops are sponsored in part by a grant from The North Carolina Tobacco trust Fund Commission.
All workshops will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Following is the workshop schedule:
• Feb. 24 at the Gov. James G. Martin Building, State Fairgrounds
• March 16 at the Onslow County Cooperative Extension Office, Jacksonville
• March 30 at the Davidson County Cooperative Extension Office, Lexington
“Statewide, we have seen strong growth and interest in local and regional farmers markets, which offer great opportunities for farmers to sell their products directly to the consumer,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We want to help these markets thrive, and these workshops provide good material and ideas for market managers and leaders.”
Cost for each workshop is $20, and covers materials and lunch. Pre-registration is required. Deadlines are Friday, Feb. 17, for the February workshop, Friday, March 9, for the March 16 workshop and Friday, March 23, for the March 30 event.
For more information, 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.