Farmers, food businesses, and buyers from across Kansas and Missouri gathered on March 11 at Kansas State University Olathe for a Meet the Buyers event designed to strengthen marketplace connections and expand business opportunities.

"Many of our local producers have said they want an opportunity to level up and expand their food businesses,” said Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam. “They need to enter new markets. This event allowed farmers to showcase the passion and love that goes into the products they make.”

The event combined one-on-one conversations and facilitated introductions, and educational sessions focused on preparing farmers and food businesses for wholesale success. Topics included what buyers look for in products, how to meet wholesale requirements, and tips for building long-term business relationships.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Ag Marketing team organized the event in collaboration with partners across Kansas and Missouri to highlight the importance of strong connections in agriculture. The event highlighted how building relationships between producers and buyers plays a critical role in sustaining and growing the regional food system.

KDA’s Division of Ag Marketing focuses on business development, helping agricultural producers identify new markets and scale their operations. The From the Land of Kansas trademark program is designed to promote and celebrate agricultural experiences and products grown, raised, or produced in Kansas. The program connects consumers with local producers while supporting the state’s agricultural economy. For more information about KDA Ag Marketing programs including From the Land of Kansas, visit www.agriculture.ks.gov/AgMarketing or FromtheLandofKansas.com or call 785-564-6700.