Area farmers markets to offer training

The farmers markets in Nashville, Hope and Washington will offer training for vendors and volunteers during the Growing Healthy Communities Summit Jan. 31.

The session will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Hempstead Hall on the University of Arkansas campus, at 2500 S. Main St. in Hope, said Debra Bolding, a spokesperson for the summit.

The free program includes lunch, training sessions and opportunity to register to sell at local farmers markets.

During the event, the Arkansas Agriculture Department will conduct its “local conversations” to bring together local farmers, chefs, grocers and market managers. The training sessions will be followed by a local foods tasting and seed swap, Bolding said.

“Anyone who would like to sell at any farmers market this year, including those in Texarkana and elsewhere, will benefit from this free training. Also, there are reduced registration fees and other incentives that will not be available later in the year for vendors who sign up to sell at local markets during the training,” Bolding said. Deadline to register is Jan. 28. To register or for more information, contact Bolding at 870557-2352 or Mary Hartness at 501472-8092 or visit the Farmers’ Market page under attractions on the Nashville Chamber of Commerce Website at nashvillear.com.