Farmer's Market

CuriousWanderer · #1 06/21/15, 08:32 PM

Has anyone set up a farmer's market successfully in their town? I am hoping to get one started and am hoping someone out there has some wonderful advice for me.

FarmboyBill · #2 06/21/15, 09:21 PM

I helped set up one in around 1990. As it was, Because I was writing a gal in Ken. who was into Mkt Gardens, I asked the Chamber of Commerce if such a thing existed in their town. They said it didn't but they were interested in tying to get one started. They invited me to a meeting with around a 1/2 doz others, and we talked about it. Most of them never participated in actually selling at the mkt. They just wanted to see about getting it started. The COC had flyers made, and found us a place to set up the mkt. When the day came I was there, and it got started.

mmoetc · #3 06/22/15, 07:23 AM

Having been in at the beginning of a couple of markets the biggest thing I can emphasize is patience. It's unlikely you'll open the market to hoards if vendors and swarms of customers but if you can get good, dedicated vendors you can build a market. Often state ag agencies or extension offices have expertise and even funding to help. Figure out what you want your market to be, or not be. Some smaller markets do well with a mix of farm raised or produced veggies, fruits, meats and baked goods. Others allow things like soaps and handcrafted items. Some look more like flea markets than farmers markets. Set up your rules with what you ( the organizers) want and stick with them. All markets are different and all are their own learning process. Find some other folks that think like you that your area needs a market and forge ahead. Good luck and have fun.

arnie · #4 06/22/15, 08:22 AM

here we have the appalachian farmers market assoiaciian see if you have something like this in your area .they are great at helping get farmers markets going and know all about getting things like wholsesome wave and other programs that can match dollars spent by seinors or people with link cards on fresh local foods ;of course local government. ours built a shelter with picnic tables for sellers and added it to the public transportation stop route, there may be grant money to use ect,

CuriousWanderer · #5 06/22/15, 07:56 PM

These are all wonderful ideas! I have already met with the people at the extension office and am trying to get an appointment with a lady at the economic development center. I am also going to set up an appointment with one of the city council members, hopefully for next week.

rambler · #6 06/23/15, 08:01 AM

Around my small farm towns, often a radio station, or a fleet and farm type of store, or a Napa, or .... will help sponser a farmers market in their parking lot, you get some advertising, their bathrooms, etc.

Don't expect the town grocery store to do so, or anything you are competing with! But lots of times these places with a big parking lot are happy to help out, and will gain some customer traffic as well from the experience.

Paul