With consumers’ growing interest in fresh produce consumption and support of local community, the number of farmers’ markets has significantly increased over the past decade. In Florida, it is estimated that over 230 farmers’ markets operate in the state. With their steady growth, farmers’ markets have become an important source of revenues for farmers of small-sized operations. However, the increasing popularity has also raised food safety concerns for produce sold at farmers’ markets. Learning best practices for food safety and developing appropriate control measures will improve the safety of food sold at farmers’ markets and increase its marketability.

This workshop is intended to provide the farmers’ market managers and vendors with information on current food safety issues associated with farmers’ markets, best food safety practices at both farms and markets, and state regulatory requirements for cottage food products and farmers’ markets. In addition, this workshop provide information on farmers’ market consumer trends and strategic planning for marketing. The target audience is Florida farmers’ market managers, vendors, and any farmers and cottage food operators who are interested in selling their food at farmers’ markets. If registered by Jul 31st, the registration fee for the course is $40. From Aug 1st, the fee will be $50. Registration includes course materials, lunch, coffee breaks and certificate of training completion. Please register early, as course size will be limited to the first 35 registrants due to the room capacity.

Tentative Agenda

8:45 am Registration / Pre-quiz

Morning Session

9:00 am Welcome and Introduction (Soo Ahn, UF/IFAS; Robert Kluson, Sarasota County)

9:10 am Overview of Florida Farmers’ Markets: Current Status and Future (Danielle Treadwell, UF/IFAS)

9:50 am Food Safety Issues Associated with Farmers’ Markets (Soo Ahn, UF/IFAS)

10:25 am Break

10:40 am Farmers’ Market Food Safety 101 (Keith Schneider, UF/IFAS)

11:25 am Multiple Payment Options for Farmers Markets / EBT/ SNAP (Mary Hathaway, FOG)

12:00 pm Catered lunch and networking

Afternoon Session

1:10 pm Millennials’ Shopping Habits and Their Impacts on Farmers’ Markets (Lindsey Brush, UF/IFAS)

1:30 pm Safety Guidelines for Growers and Vendors of Fresh Produce (Jose Perez, UF/IFAS)

2:05 pm Safety Guidelines for Consumers of Farmers’ Markets and Produce Stands (Amy Simonne, UF/IFAS)

2:40 pm Break

2:55 pm Farmers Market Operation: How to Ensure Products Are in Compliance (FDACS – pre-recorded video)

3:20 pm Regulations for Farm Produce Stands (Robert Kluson, Sarasota County)

3:50 pm Post-quiz, Evaluation/Adjourn