Texas Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association |
Farmers Market Track Hosted by Texas Center for Local Food |
Session Schedule and Descriptions:
Monday, January 27
Room: Austin III
Session 1 - 10:00 - 11:15am: Success at Farmers Markets (Austin Davenport, Central Texas Young Farmers Coalition)
This presentation for farmers and farmers market managers will share information about how beginning farmers can find success at markets and how market managers can help farmers succeed. The presentation covers some basics like market research and product
pricing, as well as common tips. It also will cover how to build an alluring market booth using things like graphic design, color theory, and customer service. Lastly, the presentation ends on follow up resources like books, online modules, and business mentorship programs all accessible regardless of region.
Session 2 - 1:00 - 2:15pm: Maximizing Food Access at Farmers Market (Anna Wright Smith & Yelitza Garcia, Texas Center for Local Food)
This two-part session will cover how to make farm fresh food more accessible to all community members--and how to increase farmers' revenues with an expanded consumer base. The first half will cover the logistics and operations of a farmers market SNAP program; the second half will cover creating a welcoming, accessible farmers market for all visitors.
Session 3: 2:45 - 4:00pm: Nurturing Partnerships, Growing Communities (Tommi Ayala & Eduardo “Lalo” Garcia, Brownsville Wellness Coalition)
In this session, we will explore how the Brownsville Wellness Coalition (BWC) has successfully built and maintained community partnerships to create a more sustainable, healthy, and connected community through initiatives like the Brownsville Farmers Market, urban farms, and community gardens. We’ll discuss how these partnerships have been key to providing fresh, healthy food to underserved communities while also creating educational opportunities. Participants will leave with practical strategies for forming meaningful collaborations and overcoming the challenges that arise in community-driven wellness projects.
Market Manager Meetup/”Healthy Hour”: 4:30 - 5:15pm
An opportunity and network. TCLF will have brief keynotes from the Farmers Market Coalition and Laura McDonald from Texas Farmers Market
Monday and Tuesday
Location: Pre-Function West (next to Austin III)
Technical Assistance
January 24 Update: Due to travel restrictions, USDA Food and Nutrition Service staff will provide technical assistance remotely during the conference, rather than in person! Staff members will be available via phone and Zoom to support farmers markets and farm stands become SNAP Authorized Retailers.
Get approved to accept SNAP! FNS will offer USDA SNAP Retailer application support and processing for same day approvals. Apply for MarketLink's SNAP EBT equipment grant for at least one year of free equipment to process SNAP transactions.
Open to direct marketing farmers and farmers markets. Bring your documents and get ready to expand your customer base and increase revenue. Leave the conference with your authorization in hand!