River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud, Jan. 16, 17, 18
New in 2019, the Minnesota Fruit and Vegetable Growers, Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association, and Minnesota Cottage Foods Producers have joined efforts for one conference. This collaboration benefits all commercial fruit, vegetable growers, farmers’ market vendors and managers, and food entrepreneurs – whether well-established or just beginning.
In addition to more than 70 outstanding educational opportunities, a variety of vendors will showcase their products and services in all aspects of production and marketing at the Trade Show. This conference is the educational highlight of the year – once you arrive, you can choose to attend any of the sessions.
Highlights include:
Keynote: Paul Douglas, “A Rapidly Changing Climate: Threat, or Opportunity.”
Kickoff: Shannon Berns, “Creating Your Market in Social Media.”
Cottage Foods Keynote: Kim Olson, “From Home to Wholesale.”
Grower Workshop Highlights:
Renae Moran, University of Maine: latest research with Apples, Plums and Tree Fruit Production.
Jed Colquhoun, University of Wisconsin: “Season Long Weed Control in Strawberry Production.” Plus more sessions on strawberries and other berries.
Research and control of SWD. Biological Controls in Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Peppers, etc.
Organic production in fruits and vegetables.
Hemp, Asparagus, Garlic, Flower production. High tunnel production.
Farmers’ Market Workshop Highlights:
Best business practices: insurance, business structures, taxes
Useful Metrics For Your Market
Panels: resolving conflict, starting a market, tips and tricks from seasoned managers
Inspiration: increasing customers to your market, turning your market stand into a feast for the eyes
Food Access Programs at the Market: SNAP EBT, Market Bucks, WIC
Blazing Trails Through the Jungle of Food Regulations
Cottage Foods Workshop Highlights:
Food testing: bring your own food sample to see if it meets the requirements for non-potentially hazardous foods under the Cottage Food Law.
Q&A with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture on the implementation of the MN Cottage Foods Law
Understanding Minnesota Tax Laws Relating to Niche Markets
Three food demos: royal icing, buttercream flowers, canning
Panel: best practices for successful cottage foods producers
Pre-Conference Workshops are on Wednesday, Jan. 16, at the St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center.
Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule Grower Training
Beginning Grower Berry Workshop: Strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries
Private Pesticide Applicator Training for fruit and vegetable production for license renewal or general information.
For detailed information on the conference and to register, contact:
• Minnesota Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association at info@mfvga.org. You can register and pay online at www.mfvga.org. Or call (612) 283-4002.
• Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association at info@mfma.org. You can register and pay online at www.mfma.org. Or call (507) 664-9446.
The educational conference and workshops are sponsored by the Minnesota Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association, in cooperation with University Minnesota Extension, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and the USDA Specialty Crops Block Grant Program.