The BC Farmers’ Market Conference & AGM is coming to Kimberley this March. This will be the first time that the conference will be held in the Kootenay Rockies & Columbia Basin region.
From March 8 to 10, 2019 join the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets for the annual conference at the Kimberley Conference Centre. Early bird tickets are now available online at www.bcfarmersmarket.org.
The 2019 host markets are the Kimberley Farmers’ Market and the Cranbrook Farmers’ Market, with the event being sponsored by Columbia Basin Trust.
The 2019 conference theme is “cultivating community”, exploring how those involved can grow and strengthen the farmers’ market sector through outreach and connections, working with various members of the community.
The annual conference brings together farmers’ market organizers, boards of directors, farmers, vendors, small scale food processors and community leaders. The weekend is packed full of workshops, networking opportunities, social activities, and the annual Farmers’ Market Awards.
Some of the 2019 workshop and networking events include the following:
- Reception and curling event on Friday, March 8 from 7p.m. to 9p.m. at the Kimberley Curling Club.
- The Banquet and Farmers’ Market Awards on Saturday, March 9 from 7p.m. to 10p.m..
- MarketSafe Training on Friday, March 8 (all day event)
- Various workshops on Saturday, March 9 and Sunday, March 10
MarketSafe training is for farmers, food processors and producers who make, bake or grow products to sell at local farmers’ markets, farm gates or other types of temporary food markets. It increases awareness and knowledge of food safety and safe food handling procedures for farmers’ market vendors, market managers, farm gate vendors, home kitchen small scale food processors, and others who may make, bake or produce food products for public consumption regulated food service establishments.
RELATED: The Kimberley Farmers’ Market is growing
The BC Association of Farmers’ Markets is also putting out a call for workshop proposals. The deadline to submit is Monday, January 7, 2019.
Workshops will run for 75 minutes, with between 25 and 60 people attending each session. A variety of workshop formats are welcomed, including panels, interactive sessions or individual presentations.
There are some benefits that may be available to some presenters including one free conference registration for the first presenter and a discount for additional presenters, modest honorarium or trade show space and limited reimbursement of travel costs.
For more information or to submit a proposal, visit www.bcfarmersmarket.org.
corey.bullock@kimberleybulletin.com
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