The Michigan Farmers Markets Association (MIFMA) is hosting the Michigan Farmers Market Conference on March 10 and 11, 2015 at the Plant and Soil Science Building on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. Registration is now open for the two-day event at https://mifma.org/michigan-
The 2015 conference is structured to meet the needs of farmers markets in Michigan and provide education and resources for the farmers and vendors who sell at them. This year’s event expects to bring together over 200 individuals including market managers, farmers, vendors, speakers and exhibitors. To see an overview of the conference agenda visit the following link https://mifma.org/wp-
Three educational tracks are offered at the conference; a market manager boot camp track designed for beginning market managers, an advanced track for market managers who are looking for specialized information, and a farmer and vendor track designed for farmers who sell at farmers markets. Educational sessions will build upon the information attendees found helpful at last year’s conference and provide up-to-date information on timely topics related to farmers market management and direct marketing.
The conference will open with a virtual welcome by Mario Batali, world renowned chef and author of best selling cookbook “America – Farm to Table,” and keynote presentation from Richard McCarthy, Executive Director of Slow Food USA. Richard is a public health champion and founding President of the Farmers Market Coalition from 2005-2007. The conference will also feature 15 educational breakout sessions, round-table discussions, MIFMA’s annual meeting, training on accepting food assistance benefits at Michigan farmers markets and time to visit with exhibitors and other conference attendees. A full conference schedule can be found at www.mifma.org.
Members of MIFMA and partnering organizations can register for the full conference for $100 or for one day only for $75. MIFMA student members receive the discounted rate of $75 for the full conference or $35 for one day. Registration for the conference will close at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, March 2, 2015.
For more information on other programs and MIFMA membership opportunities, visit www.mifma.org or call 517-432-3381.