MDA to Host 2012 Farmers Market Conference

ANNAPOLIS, MD (Feb. 1, 2012) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) will host its annual Maryland Farmers’ Market Conference on Feb. 28-29 at the Comfort Inn Conference Center in Bowie to provide information on state regulations to farmers’ market stakeholders. Session topics will include: food safety, social marketing regulations, and promotional opportunities for the 2012 market season. Conference attendees can participate in one or both days.

Tuesday, Feb. 28 – Market Manager Day – will focus on federal nutrition program benefits, Maryland health and food regulations, marketing (including social media), incentive programs, and a keynote presentation on national trends and Farm Bill implications by the newly elected President of the Farmers Market Coalition Board of Directors Bernadine Prince.

Wednesday, Feb. 29 – Market Farmer Day – will focus on training for Maryland Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, fruit and vegetable checks, and good agricultural practices (GAPs), plus sessions on Maryland health and food regulations, mediation services, and crop insurance opportunities.

Farmers’ markets have grown considerably in recent years due to the increase in demand for fresh, local food. Anyone involved with or interested in the operations of farmers’ markets should attend the 2012 Farmers’ Market Conference.

The deadline to register for the conference is February 24th. For more information, contact Amy Crone at 410-841-5770. Register online at: www.marylandsbest.net orhttps://mdamarketing.wufoo.com/forms/2012-md-farmers-market-conference-registration/