Maine Farmers’ Market Convention Offers Networking and Training Opportunities

      Posted On: March 26, 2009

For Immediate Release (207) 664-2424, ext. 4452

Winter Harbor – The Maine Farmers’ Market Convention, held last weekend on the campus of the Schoodic Education and Research Center in Acadia National Park, drew farmers, farmers’ market managers and municipal officials from all over the state. Nearly 100 people participated in the event which featured presentations, panels, workshops and networking opportunities.

The group spent three days on the Schoodic peninsula, learning about marketing, attracting and retaining customers, accepting credit cards, working together with municipalities and other related topics. “I really appreciate the opportunity,” participant Lynn Cottrell said at the end of the convention. “I learned a lot in a very short period of time.” Carol Varin, a market manager from Machias, said, “Thank you for this excellent conference fairly close to home. It’s been both enjoyable and educational.”

The convention was organized by Down East Business Alliance with sponsorship by the U.S.D.A. Agricultural Marketing Service, Maine Department of Agriculture, Bangor Hydro Electric Company, Farmers Market Coalition, Heart of Maine RC&D, and the Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine. The goal of the convention is to help farmers and market mangers get a head start on the 2009 selling season. DBA intends to hold a similar event next year.

Down East Business Alliance is a division of Washington Hancock Community Agency, a nonprofit 501(c) 3 organization. For more information about the convention and other DBA programs, visit DBA’s website at www.downeastbiz.org or call 664-2424.