Gov. Brownback Signs Farmers Market Legislation

Kansas agriculture officials say a new law taking effect in July will help a growing number of farmers’ markets across the state.

The measure approved by legislators and signed by Gov. Sam Brownback earlier this month sets up a central registry for farmers’ markets in the state Department of Agriculture. Registering with the state will limit the legal liability of farmers’ markets if accidents occur.

Agriculture Secretary Dale Rodman said Wednesday that registering also will give farmers’ markets access to promotional help from the state.

The department said that from 1987 to 2012, the number of farmers’ markets in Kansas increase more than four times, from 26 to 118.