Growing for Sale

The market for locally produced fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts, and other products has been increasing consistently over the past several years. Making the jump from growing a home garden to growing for sale can be a challenge, as can diversifying your farm from row crops to specialty crops. Following are the resources and programs we offer to help you get started or to increase the profitability of your operation.  

Resources:

   Farmers’ Markets

• Local markets and contact information
• Farmers Market Regional Workshops

   Food Safety

• Produce Safety Toolkit
• Food Safety and COVID-19
• Foods Sold Direct to Consumers in Kansas: Regulations and Food Safety Best Practices    

Programs We Offer

• Growing Growers Apprenticeship Program– An innovative farmer education program that pairs aspiring fruit and vegetable producers with more experienced growers. Started in 2019, Growing Growers just completed its fifth year.  
• Great Plains Growers Conference- Held in St. Joseph, MO each January, this conference is co-sponsored by K-State Research & Extension.  It is one of the premier conferences for commercial fruit and vegetable growers in the region. 

General Information:

• ICT Food Circle Producer Connections Newsletter- This quarterly newsletter shares timely information, upcoming events, and interesting resources for local food producers. Contact Abbey Draut to be added to the mailing list. 

Visit Sedgwick County Events to stay up to date on current workshop offerings. 

Participate in the local food community through the ICT Food Circle Local Food Directory, Facebook Page, and Facebook Group.  Click here to submit a directory listing. 

One-on-one consultations are also available to any aspiring or established commercial producer in Sedgwick county. Contact Abbey Draut to schedule an appointment. 

FAQs

How can I participate in one of the local farmers' markets? 

There are several local farmers' markets, including the Old Town Farm & Art Market, the Kansas Grown! Farmers' Markets, and several others. The Extension office is not responsible for the organization or running of any of these markets, although one of the Kansas Grown! markets is held on our grounds. The ICT Food Circle website provides more details, as well as contact information, here:  Sedgwick County Farmers' Markets.   

Can I sell _____ at a farmers' market? 

Most fruits and vegetables that have not been processed in any way can be sold in Kansas at farmers' markets or at on-farm or roadside stands. The newly updated publication, Foods Sold Direct to Consumers in Kansas: Regulations and Food Safety Best Practices, provides detailed information on the rules and regulations that govern farmers' market sales. 

What is a high tunnel/hoophouse? Can I build a high tunnel in Sedgwick County? 

A high tunnel or hoophouse is essentially a temporary, unheated greenhouse. As of July 1, 2015, you can build a high tunnel or hoophouse in Sedgwick County without needing a permit or engineered plans.