State approves $100,000 to promote urban farmers markets

A state legislature appropriation of $100,000 to the Department of Agriculture will be used to promote farmers markets in Springfield, St. Louis and Kansas City.

A release from the department said the money will finance a one-year pilot project to increase customers, sales and vendors at local farmers markets in the three cities.

"This funding is a big step toward the continued development of Missouri's horticulture industry," said Tammy Bruckerhoff, the department's horticulture marketing specialist. "Most of the state's 71 farmers markets are operated as a not-for-profit organization, so there are few funds available for promotions. This money will allow our farmers markets to gain more exposure through increased marketing."

The three areas will receive money to fund promotional projects such as special events, radio and television advertising or seminars for farmers interested in selling their products at the market. The release said the markets can use the money for a variety of projects, upon approval of the department and the committee established in each market area.[[In-content Ad]]