New program will help train farmers market managers
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
The popularity of local farmers markets is increasing around the state, and Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension is partnering with the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center to offer training for market managers.
A Market Manager Certification Program is slated Dec. 14 through Jan. 24 and will combine both in-person and online training webinars.
“This joint effort is to help support market managers and leaders to grow successful markets in Oklahoma,” said James Arati, OSU Cooperative Extension business development coordinator and advisor. “This program is geared toward training farmers market managers to pursue leadership skills, as well professional development in areas that are essential to successful management of markets. Farmers markets have grown significantly over the past several years and are becoming major contributors to the economy.”
The program begins with two in-person sessions Dec. 14 and 15 at the Oklahoma County OSU Cooperative Extension Center, 2500 NE 63rd St., Oklahoma City. Each session begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. A series of seven webinars will take place on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., beginning Jan. 8 and concluding Jan. 22. The final in-person session will follow the last webinar.
Arati said there are a number of topics that will be covered throughout the course and this information will be of great benefit to market managers.
“Participants will learn best practices for successfully managing a farmers market, as well as gain understanding of how to conduct a needs assessment, develop a plan and evaluate performance of the markets in their area,” he said.
In addition, participants will learn how to effectively work with market vendors, buyers and stakeholders, in addition to gaining knowledge of source funding and attracting useful partnerships for the market. Other topics will include special event planning and marketing, food safety concerns, conflict management and building community and partnership around the market.
Full program registration of $300 is due by Dec. 1 and includes attending all in-person and webinar sessions. For those who may want specific topic-based webinars, there is a $50 charge for individual webinar sessions. Participants may register at https://goo.gl/2wTjxy. There are a limited number of scholarships available to help cover the registration fee.
For additional information or questions, contact Arati at 405-321-4774, or via email at jarati@okstate.edu, or Lisa Bryant at 580-332-4100, or via email at lisa.bryant@okstate.edu.