Growers gain pointers on farmers markets

March 30--CAMERON, Mo. -- In yet another certain sign that spring has truly arrived, area farmers market leaders are already busy preparing for their new season.

Part of that planning process occurred Wednesday in Cameron, as University Extension held a special workshop on behalf of Northwest Missouri producers. Several Extension officials spoke to an audience of 20 at the First Christian Church, on topics ranging from food safety to the marketing of produce.

Londa Nwadike, a consumer food safety specialist for the University of Missouri and Kansas State University, explained and demonstrated the safest and proper ways the vendors can provide samples to their customers.

"Unfortunately, in today's society, if people think they got sick from your products, they can sue you," Nwadike said. "You want to do all you can to make that not happen."

She said the number of illnesses directly linked to items bought at farmers markets is under-reported. Some outbreaks have been reported that stem from farmers markets, she added.

None of the growers at the meeting said they have formal sampling of their products. Nwadike said each county's health regulations differ, with some likely not allowing samples to be handed out from their booths. Some county health agencies may offer training that would allow samples.

"Some of these are best practices and some are regulations," Nwadike said, introducing methods such as a handwashing station at booths.

Gloves or tongs should be used when handling the produce on site. Samples should be kept separate from food offered for sale, according to her presentation. The samples should be offered under cover, perhaps a tent or umbrella, to ward off insects. Trash receptacles should be kept nearby.

Nwadike also detailed guidelines for effective produce safety and the latest update on the federal Food Safety Modernization Act. The act, which became law in 2011, aims to ensure the nation's food supply is safe by shifting the focus from responding to contamination to preventing it from occurring in the first place.

Among other speakers at the workshop, Jenna Wilkins of Lincoln University discussed best ways of selling the products found at farmers markets.

"They're really low overhead," said Wilkins of an advantage to market operations. Another benefit is the ability to always count on an available customer base.

"It's great for beginning farmers," she said. "It can be a regular income source."

Kathi Mecham, a horticulturalist recently assigned to Extension's Northwest region, provided tips and tricks to the vendors for marketing their products.

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