Market operators are invited to spend a day developing your farmers market skills and knowledge at one of our Farmers Market Manager Workshops. We have invited speakers to share their expertise and reserved two time slots for round table discussions where our attendees can ask questions and share their knowledge. The Farmers Market Manager Workshop will be held in three different locations around the state with the speakers the same at each. The cost of the workshop is $40 and is non-refundable. More info here: https://www.waukeshacounty.gov/UWEX/HORT/FM/fmmw
Workshop Locations:
Monday, February 26th - Waupaca
Waupaca County Courthouse
Location Host: Katie Hassemer
katie.hassemer@wisc.edu
Monday, March 18th - Portage
Columbia County Courthouse
Location Host: Jenna Phillips
jenna.phillips@wisc.edu
Wednesday, March 20th - West Allis
Greenfield Park Pavilion
Location Host: Emily Fons
ecfons@wisc.edu
Workshop Agenda*
8:00 am Registration
8:30 am Introductions
8:45 am Data Makes the Difference
Happy vendor, happy life! The key to a successful market is happy vendors. When they are making money, they bring their best products, have a great attitude, and that reflects on spending. I'm going to explain how the 6 year-old Oak Creek market started collecting sales data, and how it has led to over $1 million in 2023. It doesn’t cost a dime, it just takes a little time, and will make you 100% more efficient as a manager.; Dawn Carillo, Manager, Oak Creek Farmers Market & Oak Creek Winter Farmers Market
9:30 am Group Discussion—Market Manger’s Data Use Experience
10:00 am Common Legal Issues for Farmers Markets
This session will focus on legal issues confronted by farmers market managers. We will discuss risk and liability at the market, vendor issues, and some food-specific legal issues; Jeff Glazer, Clinical Associate Professor, UW Law & Entrepreneurship Clinic, UW-Madison Clinical Associate Professor, UW Madison Law
10:45 am Break
11:00 am Market Manager Round Table Discussion #1
11:45 am Farmers Market Nutrition Program 2024 Updates
Overview of Farmers Market Nutrition Program, review of the 2023 season, and plans for the 2024 season; Allie Valitchka, Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program Coordinator, WI Department of Health
12:00 am Lunch
12:45 am WI Farmers Market Survey Results
In 2022 over100 farmers markets from across the state participated in a survey to assess the current state of farmers markets in Wisconsin. Learn about the results and how your market compares to others in Wisconsin. Kristin Krokowski, UW Madison Extension
1:00 pm The Rules Apply to Everyone - How to Identify Suspect Food Safety in Home-Made Foods
In this session, Master Food Preserver, independent food historian, and former farm market seller, Christina Ward will review the current rules under Wisconsin Pickle and Cookie Law (Cottage food laws) and how to apply them to your markets. We'll talk about product labeling, establishing best-practice policies, what to ask of potential vendors on their applications, and how to communicate with violators. Christina will also share tips on how to recognize "bad" canning and bakery. Christina Ward, Master Food Preserver SE Wisconsin
1:45 pm Nutrition Incentive Update
Let's talk about GusNip and other nutrition incentive programs in the state and potential ways we can work together to make healthy food more affordable and accessible for all. Kelly Hammond, Healthy Retail Specialist, Extension Portage County
2:30 pm Break
2:45 pm Market Manager Round Table Discussion #2
3:30 pm Adjourn—Hang out
*Order of speakers may vary based on location.