DES MOINES – Mercedes Taylor-Puckett is the key presenter at the 14th annual Iowa Farmers Market Workshop. The presentation, “Making Market Magic” will cover creating and promoting a thriving market. A second presentation will go over “Farmers Markets Basics”.
The workshop is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 11, 2012. It will take place at First Christian Church, 2500 University Ave., Des Moines. The workshop registration fee is $30 and includes lunch. Advance registration is recommended; walk-ins can register ($40) at 8:30 a.m.
“With a wave of the market manager's wand — POOF! — a farmers market materializes,” Taylor-Puckett said. “To the public, this is what appears to happen. But market folk know the reality behind the illusion: much work goes into the creation of a vibrant atmosphere that's conducive to robust vendor sales. Market magic takes solid research, innovative collaboration, strong planning, and first-rate implementation.”
“We're in an exciting time for farmers markets,” she added. “The number of markets across the nation has exploded. Consumers are recognizing the value of great food raised in their own communities. More young people are interested becoming farmers. But, farmers markets are about more than fresh fruit and vegetables. At their core, markets are about relationships.”
She will also present on farmers market basics, which will be informative for experienced and new managers.
Mercedes Taylor-Puckett is the Local Food and Farmers Market Coordinator for Kansas Rural Center's Farmers Market Project, which supports the 75+ markets in Kansas through conferences, workshops and the www.ksfarmersmarkets.org website.
Her current projects include expanding SNAP access at farmers markets, as well as launching the local food branding program, Our Local Food, for the state of Kansas. In addition to serving as the Kansas co-lead for the National Farm to School Network, Mercedes is involved with farm food safety and the Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) Program. She contributes to the Great Plains Growers Conference as a member of the planning committee, develops manager and board training, and organizes the annual Kansas Farmers Market Conference. Mercedes is also the administrator of www.ksfarmersmarkets.org.
Prior to joining KRC, she was the coordinator of the Downtown Lawrence Farmers Market and served as the local food forager for the 2008 National SARE Conference in Kansas City.
The workshop, sponsored by the Iowa Farmers’ Market Association (IFMA), provides training and information for farmers market managers and vendors.
For more information visit www.iafarmersmarkets.org, or contact Ginny Gieseke, IFMA President, at vrgieseke@q.com; 515 277 6951.
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Mercedes Taylor-Puckett is
the key presenter at the 2012
Iowa Farmers Market
Workshop on Feb. 11 in
Des Moines, IA.
