Date/Time
Date(s) - June 17, 2024
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Categories


There are lots of moving parts to starting and growing a successful farmers market– creating a community of farmers, building a strong customer base, and figuring out basic operations – to name just a few! Among the important aspects for new and established markets to consider is their business structure. As enterprises owned and controlled by their members, the cooperative model might create opportunities for farmers markets to build member engagement and decision making, to focus on community, and to seek external funding.

Join the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Center for Cooperatives and guest speakers Christie Welch and Adrianne Roach to explore the cooperative farmers market model.

The event is free and will take place online.

Guest Speakers

Christie Welch, Program Specialist, Direct Agricultural Marketing with The Ohio State University

Within the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Science, Welch serves as the Direct Food and Agriculture Marketing Specialist to assist Ohio’s agricultural and food producers increase their profitability and sustainability through best marketing practices, increase marketing efficiencies, and market diversification. Welch has a strong interest in the economic development of rural Ohio and is especially interested in family farms and agribusinesses within this region.

She and her husband are the third generation on their diversified family farm. They currently produce small fruits which they direct market from the farm. She was actively involved in the Chillicothe Farmers’ Market where she served on the board for 8 years. She is currently serving on the Farmers Market Coalition Board of Directors.

The Direct Food and Agricultural Marketing Program in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at Ohio State assists local food producers with effective marketing of their products and services to increase their sustainability.

Mandy Way, Manager & Former Board President, Chillicothe Farmers Market

Mandy Way is a Ross County, Ohio, native and currently resides in Waverly, Ohio, with her husband of 15 years, Cameron, and their 12 furbabies.

The Chillicothe Farmers Market brings together area producers of fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs and meats, baked goods, and more, in a year-round farmers market. Structured as a cooperative association since 2008, the market offers online ordering, accepts nutrition benefits programs, and partners with local organizations.

Contribute to the Conversation: Share your Questions!

Share your questions for guest speakers! Submit questions in the “Questions and Comments” section of the online Zoom registration to contribute to the live conversation.

Register

Farmers Markets