The SLO County Farmers???? Markets, longtime favorite attractions for both residents and tourists, is turning to new technologies and beefed-up marketing efforts to stay connected to customers and to increase public awareness about their markets. A new website, a radio show on public station KCBX, email and printed newsletters and markets kiosks have been launched by the SLO County Farmers???? Market Association. According to Market Administrator Peter Jankay, the association worked with local marketing firm Barnett Cox & Associates to retool its marketing program. ???Many people do not know that we operate five different farmers???? markets in the county. We wanted help getting the word out.???

One of the highlights of the new marketing program is a KCBX radio show. ???Keepin it Fresh on the

Central Coast??? is produced and hosted by Maryann Stansfield of Barnett Cox & Associates. Stansfield and Big Sky owner and chef Charles Myers travel to markets throughout the county, interviewing farmers, discussing available produce and offering menu and preparation ideas for seasonal produce. The popular program airs the first Wednesday of the month on KCBX, 90.1fm.

The newly revamped website, www.slocountyfarmers.org, provides a full complement of information about in-season produce and healthy cooking with fruits and vegetables, background on the association and its board members, and details of upcoming events. The website includes extensive information about a newly launched series of cooking demonstrations featuring leading chefs from each community. Jankay also noted that tourists are an important part of the market customer base, and the website offers an easy way to communicate with out-of-towners.

Further information is available via the association website, www.slocountyfarmers.org.