PIKETON, Ohio -- The desire for fresh, local foods and products is driving more consumers to shop at their community farmers' markets, spending more than $1 billion a year, according to the Farmers' Market Coalition. Those in Ohio interested in launching their own farmers' market or looking to enhance an existing business have the opportunity to attend a free Ohio State University Extension workshop.
"Feasibility Studies and Business Planning for Farmers' Markets" is open to food producers, volunteers, community leaders and educators who are interested in resources and strategies to assist their local food system by incorporating a farmers' market. The workshop focuses on the feasibility of starting a new market and business plan development for existing markets.
The workshop is being offered at two locations: on Oct. 22 at OSU South Centers at Piketon at 1864 Shyville Rd., in Piketon, and on Oct. 23 at the OSU Extension office in Muskingum County at 225 Underwood St., in Zanesville. Both workshops run from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. and include lunch.
The workshop is being offered through OSU South Centers Growing! Ohio Farmers' Markets program, which provides business training and technical assistance in the areas of marketing, money and management for farmers' market creation, growth and sustainability. The workshop is made possible through a U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development grant. Other workshops like it will be offered through the Growing! Ohio Farmers' Markets program over the next six months.
To register for the Feasibility Study and Business Planning workshop, contact Melissa Hurtt at (740) 289-2071 or e-mail hurtt.8@osu.edu.