FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, September 26, 2011

CONTACT:
Margaret Hart, Communications Coordinator
651.201.6131, Margaret.hart@state.mn.us

Learn how to start a farmers’ market at upcoming workshops

ST. PAUL, Minn. –  The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association (MFMA) are offering a series of workshops in November for farmers’ market representatives, vendors and local food producers as well as those interested in starting a farmers’ market in their community.

The six workshops will be held in locations around the state and will include a variety of topics including existing opportunities for market vendors, an introduction to the MFMA’s Farmers’ Market Representative Certificate Program and information on the process of installing terminals to provide Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Credit Card/Debit Card transactions at markets.

The workshops will also include information about membership in the Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association and networking opportunities for those attending.  Interested individuals can attend any one of the six workshops – the same topics will be covered at each.

November 1, 2011
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Albany American Legion
317 Railroad Ave.
Albany, MN 56307

6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
North Central Research & Outreach Center
1861 East U.S. Highway 169
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
*Preregister online or call 888-241-0885        

November 2, 2011
9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Champlin Ice Forum
12165 Ensign Ave. N.
Champlin, MN 55316

9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Bloomington Civic Plaza
1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd.
Bloomington, MN 55431

6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
McIntosh Community Center
115 Broadway St. NW
McIntosh, MN 56556
*Preregister online or call 888-241-0885        

5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Hutchinson Public Library
50 Hassan Street NE
Hutchinson, MN 55350

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