Conference Kicks Off Farmers’ Market Season [AUDIO]

WAITE PARK -- People from all across the state were on-hand to attend the 2013 Minnesota Farmers' Market Association's spring conference in Waite Park.

Organizers say more than 100 participants took part in workshops and networking opportunities this (Thursday) afternoon.

Kathy Zeman is operations manager for the Minnesota Farmers' Market Association. She says this event is all about education.

Attendees learned new marketing techniques with the use of social media, along with changes that allow sellers to accept SNAP or EBT payments.

One key feature of this spring's conference was the results from a survey conducted by Minnesota Grown. The surveyed collected information from more than 1,100 customers from 57 different Minnesota farmers' markets.

Zeman says the conference allows attendees the chance to get up-to-date information heading into the farmers' market season.

Cold weather could push back the start of this year's selling season.

Sellers were able to enjoy last year's weather by opening markets early.

Zeman expects most markets will be up-and-running by June.