MFMA Annual Conference – January 25 & 26, 2013

Don’t miss this opportunity for learning and networking. The Greater Springfield Farmers Market has put together a conference that is chock full of learning opportunities and an unbelievable value. Get the details and registration form here.

The annual meeting Farm Tour was a wonderful success, as was the meeting itself – but the farm tour was more photogenic!

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Annual Meeting Set for January 28

The Annual Workshop and Meeting of the Missouri Farmers Market Association will be Saturday, January 28, at the Missouri Armory, De Soto.

Pre-meeting options – Friday, January 27—all begin or take place at Arlington Bed & Breakfast,  207 East Main Street, De Soto

1:00 p.m.—Chartered Bus Tour ($15 per person) Cyndi Lou’s Produce (High Tunnel Growing), Big River Alpacas, Single Creek Draft Horse Farm (horse-drawn equipment, activities & making of maple syrup)

5:00 p.m.  – Welcome Reception

7:30 p.m. – Informal Board Gathering (open to the membership)

Saturday, January 28^th – at the Armory, 1555 Veterans Drive, De Soto

8:00 – 9:00 – Registration

9:00 -  Welcome by host market

9:15 – Dr. Jon Hagler, Director of the Missouri Dept of Agriculture

9:45   – How markets across the state are partnering with Extension to maximize resources

10:40 – Conflict prevention and resolution

11:30 – The Market Lady project – lessons learned

Noon – lunch

1:00 – Market of the Year/Champions of the Year

1:30 – EBT (Food stamps) – how it’s working at Missouri markets

2:30 – Open discussion of market successes & challenges in the 2011 season

3:20 – annual business meeting

4:00 – organizational board meeting (open to the membership)

Click for Registration form & lodging information

Healthy Food Initiative

The MFMA hosted a booth at the Healthy Food Initiative on September 1st. The Subject was “They call It Farm Bill, We call It Food Bill” The conference, held in Maplewood, was organized by Representative Carnahan. There were approximately 110 people in attendance. We had 59 people stop at our booth. Our president, Debby Campbell, made up a basket and staffed the booth.   The basket was filled with fresh local produce, county fair award winning jam, freshly baked bread and one of the DFM cookbooks. Everything was from Debby’s market in DeSoto. As you can see from the photo, it was a great prize!

2012 Annual Meeting

Mark your calender for Saturday, January 28, 2012, and plan to attend the MFMA annual meeting in lovely De Soto, Missouri.

Have a topic in mind for the meeting? Send us your ideas.

Photos from the 2011 annual meeting

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Annual Meeting & Workshops

The Annual Workshop and Meeting of the Missouri Farmers Market Association will be Saturday, January 29, Turner Hall, 518 Vine Street, Booneville, MO 65233.

Friday – pre meeting options – January 28
3:00 pm – Farm Tour – details will be in January newsletter
7:00 – 9:00 pm – networking at the Hotel Frederick – bring a snack to share

Saturday, January 29
8:30 – 9:00 – Registration
9:00 – 10:00 – Partnerships between Markets & Other Community Organizations
10:15 – 11:15 – Marketing in Good Times & Bad
11:30 – 12:30 – Lunch – presentation by the Boonville Farmers Market
A tasty lunch prepared by the vendors of the Boonville Farmers Market
12:30 – 1:30 – Successful Grant Writing panel
2:00 – 3:00 – Annual Meeting
4:00 – 5:00 – Annual board organizational meeting- open to the membership

This link will take you to more information & the registration form – http://bit.ly/fID0aR

2010 Champions

Market of the Year – Fair Grove Farmers Market was named Market of the Year.  The Fair Grove Farmers’ Market was applauded for its youth programs, educational outreach and producer development efforts.

Best Advertising/Marketing Campaign – Fair Grove Farmers’ Market was recognized for its integrated use of print advertising, web content and direct marketing tactics, as well as original, creative artwork to promote the market.

Best Photo – Webb City Farmers’ Market won for visual documentation illustrating the importance of a farmers’ market to its patrons and community.

Best Event - De Soto Farmers’ Market took statewide honors for “Meet Me at the Market,” an event that educated community participants on recycling, local foods and gardening.

Champions of the Year – Sue DeWitt of Marshfield Farmers’ Market and Pastor Darlene Payne of De Soto Farmers’ Market shared top individual recognition for dedicated service and commitment to their respective markets. DeWitt organized the Marshfield Farmers’ Market six years ago with only six vendors and now manages a market with more than 50 members. Described as an inspiration to vendors, patrons and the De Soto community, Payne was recognized for her positive and energetic approach.

What’s in store for Farmers Markets

Webinar hosted by American Farmland Trust on 3/23/10 with information on federal market grant programs, on strengthening the role of farmers markets and on the national farmers market contest. Click on What’s In Store for Farmers Markets

Specialty Crops Grant Applications

Applications are due March 31.  This grant is administered by the Missouri Department of Agriculture and can be for up to $30,000.  Farmers Markets and other organizations dealing with specialty crops may apply.  Specialty crops include fruits and vegetables.  For more information on the grant application, go to http://mda.mo.gov/abd/financial/specialtycrop.php