MU Extension workshop to focus on food safety, growing regulations and selling foods locally

HANNIBAL, Mo. — University of Missouri Extension will host a “Selling Local Foods” workshop in Hannibal from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, March 15, at the Admiral Coontz Recreation Center, 301 Warren Barrett Dr.

In a press release, Justin Keay, MU Extension horticulturist, said, “Farmers market vendors, including local food producers and farmers, will benefit from this workshop in historic Hannibal. Those attending will learn about the regulations covering the preparation and sale of fresh foods and value- added products, and the essentials of food safety.”

Keay says aspiring and existing farmers and food vendors will benefit from this workshop. “Selling locally grown and produced foods can be a great way for entrepreneurs to start or grow a small business, as consumers have growing interest in purchasing local foods and supporting local businesses,” he said.

Morning sessions will focus on understanding food safety and the regulations related to growing, processing and selling local foods as well as best practices for marketing directly to consumers. Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services staff will cover Missouri’s Cottage Food Law that allows for production of breads, cookies, pies, jams and dried herbs in a home-based kitchen.

In the afternoon sessions, attendees will receive an overview of alternative markets such as community-supported agriculture, restaurants and small grocers. They also will learn how to build better displays to sell products and how to provide good customer service.

A farmer/expert panel rounds out the afternoon sessions. Panelists will be:

• Lynn Gibson, Addy’s Creations, a seller of handmade goat’s milk soaps and skin care products;
• Mary Behrens, Mary’s Herbs and Baked Goods;
• John Poole, Lumley Locker;
• Steve Huse, Hope Farms and manager of the Hannibal Central Park Farmers Market, garden plants and greens; and
• Frank Lemongelli, Marion County Health Department environmental health specialist.

Register by March 11 at https://extension.missouri.edu/events/selling-local-foods-workshop-hannibal. For more information, call 573-324-5464.

Event partners are Hannibal Central Park Farmers Market and Hannibal Parks and Recreation Department.