New Hampshire Farmers’ Market Association

Vendor Workshop Agenda

Farm & Forest Expo

February 8 & 9, 2008

“How do I get started selling at a farmers’ market?” Can I sell products from my kitchen at farmers’ market and farm stands? How do I best market my products at a farmers’ market, my farmstand and other venues?

The 2008 NH Farmers’ Market Association workshops provides many of the answers to these questions, offers the UNH Cooperative Extension (UNHCE) “SAFE” (Safety Awareness in the Food Environment) course for food producers and gives the latest information on the new “homestead” food service license, approved by the 2006 NH legislature, for residential, non-commercial kitchens where home-made foods are manufactured or processed, or both, primarily for retail sales at farmers' markets, farm stands, or residences.

Friday, 8 February

9:00 AM Food Safety Guidelines for Farmers’ Markets and Small Food Producers: Nada Haddad, Catherine Violette & Alice Mullen, UNHCE
11:00 AM The New Homestead License and Other Food Service Licenses: Rupa Laverdiere, NHDHHS

1:00 PM WIC FMNP Annual Report: Laurie Desmarais, NHDHHS

2:00 PM Basic Fiscal Management & Bookkeeping for Farmers’ Markets and Non-Profit Organizations Panel Discussion: NH Nonprofit Center; Dorothy Reinert, CPA; Judy Burke, Bookkeeper.

Saturday, 9 February

Bruce Baker has led over 500 workshops throughout the United States and Canada in the last twenty years. He speaks on a variety of direct marketing related topics such as display, sales and customer service. Bruce has a special talent for making his workshops lively and relevant to the audience. Those who have implemented Bruce's suggestions report increases in sales of as much as 30%. His web site is: www.bbakerinc.com. 

9:00-11:00 AM: Bruce Baker--Marketing Your Products at Farmers’ Markets, Farmstands, Craft Fairs and Other Venues

* Discover fast, effective and alluring ways to set up your stand.
* Learn what to say to customers to make them buy now.
* Create repeat and loyal buyers.
* Improve your sales 25% at your next market.

10:00 AM: New Hampshire Department of Justice – Charitable Trust Unit Presents Knowing the Territory of Non-Profits.

Terry Knowles, Assistant Director of the Charitable Trusts Unit will help you and your board members understand the process of keeping your non-profit organization in compliance with New Hampshire Law.

1:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Bruce Baker – Maximize Sales by Knowing What Your Customer Wants

Whether you’re selling directly to the public or to wholesale buyers, knowing what customers want and what will get them to buy your particular product(s) is powerful information. Bruce Baker who will tell you about current consumer buying trends and how to develop and market products that capitalizes on these trends. After presenting a broad over-view, he will answer specific questions about your particular areas of interest, whether it’s specialty foods, products or the general hospitality and/or entertainment industry. Stay for the last session of the day to learn about retail product displays.

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Bruce Baker – Merchandising Displays in Retail Settings

You’ve got a great product, but how do you maximizes its attributes so it sells? What colors, layouts, lighting and props will attract attention and present an item so it’s irresistible to the right audience? Use every inch of your space, no matter how big or small, so it becomes a real profit center!