Ask The Experts- From Booth to Brand

The farmers market isn’t just a place to sell—it’s where brands are born. Whether you’re an aspiring food entrepreneur, a seasoned vendor, or a farmer/rancher looking to expand your reach, this event is your roadmap to success. Join us for an insightful panel discussion with industry experts who have been in your shoes and know what it takes to grow.

✔ Proven Strategies: Learn how to test, launch, and grow your brand at the market.
✔ Insider Insights: Hear from veteran vendors and fresh faces about what works (and what doesn’t).
✔ Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow vendors, market managers, and food industry leaders who can help you move forward.
✔ Real Talk, Real Solutions: From logistics to marketing, pricing to customer engagement, ask your burning questions and get expert advice.

Moderators:

Shawn Theriot (Systm Foods & Cultivate Bend)

Ann Pistacchi-Peck (HDFFA & Bend Farmers Market)

Lauren Rasmussen (Fibonacci Farms) – Veteran Ag Vendor

Zoey Oquist (The Crow’s Croft) – Newer Ranch Vendor

Jeff Akers (Bohemian Roastery & Worthy Farmers Market) – Veteran CPG Vendor

Barb Myers (Fixa Foods) – Newer CPG Vendor

✔ Farmers market vendors & staff – Whether you’re new or experienced, get fresh ideas to boost your business.

✔ Aspiring entrepreneurs – Thinking about launching a product? Learn how the farmers market can be your proving ground.

✔ Farmers & ranchers – Expand your sales, build customer relationships, and connect with food industry pros.

✔ HDFFA partners & food enthusiasts – Get inspired and support the local food ecosystem!

Central Oregon’s farmers markets are more than pop-ups—they’re launchpads for brands, testing grounds for products, and vital hubs for local food. Whether you grow, make, or sell food, understanding the business side of markets can help you scale faster and smarter.

This isn’t just another panel—it’s a chance to ask questions, share challenges, and build connections with people who truly get it. Don’t miss out on this interactive, engaging, and high-value conversation designed to help you turn your booth into a thriving brand.

RSVP Now – Space is limited! Secure your spot today.

The High Desert Food and Farm Alliance (HDFFA) believes everyone deserves good food. We service that belief through our programming pillars: support for local farms, ranches and local food businesses, increasing food access to nutritious, locally produced food for our Central Oregon neighbors experiencing food insecurity; and providing food-systems education to community members. We provide services to 65,000 people throughout the Central Oregon region.

Ann Pistacchi-Peck is grateful to get to live her passion for local food systems every day as the Program Director at the High Desert Food and Farm Alliance, the manager of the Downtown Bend Farmers Market, and a community-member champion of initiatives that uplift farmers, nourish communities, and promote the economic viability of small businesses in Central Oregon.

Lauren Rasmussen is co-owner of Fibonacci Farm located in the Mountain View neighborhood of Bend. The farm grows produce and flowers which is sold through a 200 person CSA that is split with another neighboring farm and also through the Bend Farmer's Market. Before entering the farming industry, Lauren gained extensive business management, customer service, visual merchandising and marketing experience in Portland, OR and also New York City.

Zoey Oquist is the owner of The Crow’s Croft, where she raises high-quality, pasture-raised pork on a natural, non-GMO, corn and soy free diet. Her deep affection for pigs shines through in her work, valuing their unique personalities and essential role on her farm. Beyond livestock management, she crafts lard-based body products, honoring time-tested traditions and natural skincare. Blending artisanal craftsmanship with sustainable agriculture.

Jeff Akers is a native Central Oregonian with a background in farming, construction, pasta and coffee. The blending of those four industries brought to life Bohemian Roastery, Central Oregon's only wood-fire coffee roasting company. Jeff and his family, Shelley, Jacob and Dominic have been calling farmers markets home every summer, since 2017. This spring, with the help from many passionate and committed people in our community, Jeff is starting a new market on the east side, Worthy Farmers Market. This market opens April 27th and will showcase 30 of Oregon's top producers.

Barb Myers enjoyed 20 years in the creative industry and education before diving right into the CPG world. She founded Fixa Foods, makers of plant-based nut dips that turn ordinary ingredients into amazing meals, making healthy cooking both simple and delicious. She looks forward to her second year at local farmers markets and loves the Central Oregon food community.

Host or Publisher Cultivate Bend Board