We are all living in new and challenging times. Farmers markets, this season, will be operating in alternative ways and will have a different look. Until a couple of months ago farmers markets were places to bring families and friends to leisurely pick and choose from the wonderful array of products, hop from one vendor to another, chat with farmers and catch up on town news, and also linger and enjoy entertainment. But it’s no longer business as usual. Farmers market operations will have to be conducted differently.
This webinar covers tips on market layout and flow, on site sales and pick up, food safety, communication among vendors and with customers in the days of COVID-19 and its aftermath. See how some farmers market managers and vendors are adapting and changing their sales practices to enable them to offer customers a diverse selection of agricultural products in a safe environment. The good news is the consumer demand for local food seems particularly high as a result of COVID-19.
Speakers
Jimmy DeBiasi, Director of Programs, Maine Federation of Farmers Markets, Maine; Jessica Giordani, Market Manager, Lebanon Farmers Market, Lebanon, NH; Gail McWilliam – Jellie, Director Division of Agricultural Development, NH Department of Agriculture, Market; and from UNH Cooperative Extension, Mary Saucier Choate, Food Safety Field Specialist and Nada Haddad, Agricultural Business Management Field Specialist.
This webinar is a collaborative effort between the NH Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food and UNH Cooperative Extension. Webinar planning committee from UNH Cooperative Extension: Kelly McAdam, Kenesha Reynolds, Seth Wilner, Mary Saucier Choate, Ann Hamilton, Heather Bryant, Nada Haddad and from the NHDAMF-Gail McWilliam - Jellie.
