MISSISSIPPI STATE – A May 7 workshop is designed to help current and potential fruit and vegetable growers and farmers’ market managers boost profits.

There are 54 active farmers’ markets in the state and more are started each year. These have become more popular as customers understand the benefits of buying fresh, locally grown produce.

The Mississippi State University Extension Service, Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, and the Mississippi Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association are sponsoring a day-long “Selling at Farmers’ Markets” workshop. The event is designed to show growers how to boost profits by selling produce direct to the consumer through local markets.

“Farmers’ markets provide farmers with lucrative opportunities to sell produce directly to consumers at retail prices, and they give consumers a place to buy fresh, locally grown, nutritious food,” said John Braswell, Extension horticulture specialist and a workshop organizer. “Sales at farmers’ markets have increased substantially over the past several years in Mississippi and nationwide.”

Topics to be covered include considerations when establishing a farmers’ market; strategies to increase sales and maintain a successful market; and practical advice on how much product to bring, how to set up displays and booths, product pricing and customer relations.

Seating is limited, so those planning to attend must preregister by April 30. The workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 7 at the Ethnic Heritage Building of the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum at 1150 Lakeland Drive in Jackson. There is no charge to attend, and sign-in begins at 9:30 a.m.

To register or for more information, visit http://www.mdac.state.ms.us or http://www.msfruitandveg.com. Contact Paige Manning at (601) 359-1163 or paige@mdac.state.ms.us or Braswell at (601) 403-8939 or braswell@ext.msstate.edu for details.