-- provided through OPENAIR-MARKET NET
Over 1500 people attended the 11th annual North American Farmers' Direct Marketing Conference held on Feb.22-24 in Saratoga Springs, New York. Five busloads of marketers visited farm markets in New England during the three day pre-conference tour, and 3 buses (125 people) visited markets in the Hudson Valley on the one day post-conference tour. On Thursday, Feb. 22, three one day programs focused on berry production, managing farmers' markets and training for Extension and Agriculture personnel, each attracting around 50 people.
The educational programs and trade show were the highlight of the two day intensive conference. 30 educational sessions were jam packed each day, and 105 vendors participated in the trade show. The educational topics focused on business management, farmers' markets, roadside stands and PYO, niche markets, consumers, and agri-tourism. Attendees gave the conference very high marks..rating it as the best-ever North American Conference.
A copy of the Conference Proceedings can be obtained by sending a check for $10.00 to DMC-Proceedings, CCE Tompkins Co., 615 Willow Ave. Ithaca, NY 14850. Audio tapes of all sessions are also available by contacting Audio Productions, Inc. 1-800-488-5455. Questions relating to the conference can be addressed by calling Monika Roth at 607-272-2292 or via email reply <monika_roth@cce.cornell.edu>.
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Monika Roth Phone: 607-272-2292
Cornell Cooperative Extension FAX: 607-272-7088
615 Willow Avenue Email: monika_roth@cce.cornell.edu
Ithaca, New York 14850