Farmers markets prepare for 2009 season

[March 24, 2009]  SPRINGFIELD -- Farmers markets across Illinois are preparing to make the 2009 season better than ever. In an effort to aid markets across the state, the Illinois Department of Agriculture is offering a series of workshops for market managers and interested vendors.

"We want to make sure the Illinois Department of Agriculture is doing everything possible to encourage and support the hundreds of farmers markets across the state," Agriculture Director Tom Jennings said. "These workshops give us a chance to explain the increased resources that are available for specialty crop producers and offer networking opportunities for market managers and vendors."
Workshop topics will include rules and regulations, available resources, and other farmers market issues. There also will be a question-and-answer time.

The following is a list of dates and locations for the workshops:

• Springfield
  March 31, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  IDOA Auditorium
  Illinois Department of Agriculture
  State Fairgrounds
  801 E. Sangamon Ave.
  Springfield, IL 62702

• Mount Vernon
  April 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  Rolland W. Lewis Building
  800 S. 27th St.
  Mount Vernon, IL 62864

• DeKalb/Seneca
  April 9, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  DeKalb County Farm Bureau
  Center for Agriculture
  1350 W. Prairie Drive
  Sycamore, IL 60178

Admission, which includes lunch, is $20 per person, unless attendees preregister. Preregistration costs $15 per person and must be submitted at least two working days prior to the event. Online registration is available at www.agr.state.il.us/marketing/reservations.

Questions about the conference should be directed to Delayne Reeves, IDOA marketing representative, at 217-524-9129.

[Text from Illinois Department of Agriculture file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]