| | Grow West Alberta 2007 is the theme of the 2007 North American Farmers’ Direct Marketing Association (NAFDMA) annual conference. Being held in Calgary on February 12 to 17, 2007, Grow West offers attendees numerous chances to learn by participating in the bus tour, the workshop day and the two-day conference itself. Participants can attend the bus tour, the workshop, the conference or all three.
“Farmers’ market managers, vendors and sponsors of a farmers’ market, are encouraged to check out the farmers’ market stream at the conference,” says Kerry Engel, industrial development officer with Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development’s Farm Direct Marketing Initiative and Canada West director for NAFDMA. “Over the course of the two-day conference, there will be several sessions focused on farmers’ market issues. Meat vendors, may be especially interested in the Meat Sales that Make Cent$ session. This session gives new insight into marketing all cuts of meat, and how presentation can WOW customers into buying a product.”
As market vendors change and mature, many market managers face the common problem of replacing these vendors and aren’t sure where to go for help. Markets are a valuable part of many communities and attracting young vendors is a common dilemma. The session Farmers’ Markets: Attracting the Next Generation will provide insight from two young vendors who chose to market through farmers’ markets. Their presentation may provide ideas on developing strategies for attracting young vendors.
Conference participants will visit the Calgary Farmers’ Market. As in previous years, visiting a farmers’ market in operation is part of the conference offerings. The Calgary Farmers’ Market is a three-day, year-round market located on the old Currie Barracks site in Calgary. Experiencing this upscale urban market will give attendees a chance to discover new trends, draw on concepts for their own business and get caught up in the excitement of this market.
The 2007 convention is being presented in partnership with the Alberta Farmers’ Market Association, Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association, Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and Renewal Chapter of the Agricultural Policy Framework.
Convention details and registration packages are available on the convention website at www.nafdma.com, by calling the NAFDMA office at 1-888-884-9270, or by calling Engel at (780) 644-2927.
Contact: Kerry Engel (780) 644-2927 |
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