The University of Hawaii at Hilo College of Continuing Education and Community Service and UH-Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources recently collaborated with five current farmers market and agritourism managers to craft a Hawaii-specific, best-practices manual.
The University of Hawaii at Hilo College of Continuing Education and Community Service and UH-Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources recently collaborated with five current farmers market and agritourism managers to craft a Hawaii-specific, best-practices manual.
“Hawai‘i Farmers Market and Agritourism Venues: Best Food Business and Food Handling Practices for Farmers and Vendors” is based on solid experience from people who operate some of Hawaii’s best farmers markets, said CTAHR’s Jim Hollyer, who funded the project with resources from the state Department of Agriculture’s Agribusiness Development Corporation.
“We did extensive research on similar guides and tested out and refined the content with two panels of experienced farmers market vendors, so we know we have a useful educational tool,” said Luisa F. Castro, the UH-Hilo project coordinator for the manual.
The farmers market manual covers marketing and food safety in significant detail, illustrated with dozens of photo examples. Contributors represent all Hawaii counties, different organizations and a variety of markets.
“We looked for experience, market leadership, and a willingness to contribute all they know from our coauthors, and we are pleased with the collaboration,” Castro said.
Coauthors include Nancy Ginter-Miller, Produce to Product, Inc.; Pamela Boyar, FarmLovers Farmers’ Markets; Lani R. Weigert, Hawaii Agritourism Association; Neil Coshever, Upcountry Farmers Market; and Melissa McFerrin Warrack, Kauai County Farm Bureau, in addition to Castro and Hollyer.
Copies are being distributed to each island by the authors, and additional copies can be obtained from Castro at UH-Hilo by sending an email to luisac@hawaii.edu or calling 974-7664.
The manual also can be downloaded for free at http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/HI_Farmers_Market_and_Agritourism_Venues.pdf.