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Start
a Farmers Market
 University of
Missouri Extension offers an online
resource guide for starting a new farmers' market or
improving an existing market. The guide is focused on farmers' market
organizers in Missouri, but also provides useful information for market
developers in any state, province or country.
Starting
and Operating a Farmers' Market
Most farmers' markets start as an idea. A group of local growers, a
neighborhood association, the local chamber of commerce, or in some
cases a single individual, realizes the benefits of starting a farmers'
market in their community. From this initial idea connections are made,
meetings are held, and the farmers' market begins to materialize.
During the early stages of the market's creation, when initial
conversations and meetings are taking place, try to answer the
following questions to help the market get off to a good start:
- Is starting a new
farmers' market feasible?
Determining
the feasibility of a new farmers' market is crucial. Try to thoroughly
evaluate the interest among local growers, consumers, local businesses,
government agencies and organizations before proceeding to the next
step. Evaluate local retail competition and community demographics. To
gain input from a wider audience and uncover unforeseen objections or
support, place ads in local newspapers or hold public meetings. If time
and funding permit, a formal feasibility study can be conducted.
Starting a new market is generally justified if you have firm
commitments from six growers and you expect to attract at least 100
customers on each market day.
- Who will sponsor
the market?
In
some cases, growers take a lead role in creating and running a market.
In other cases, local governments, nonprofit organizations, chambers of
commerce or a new entity is formed to organize a new market. Regardless
of who starts and operates the market, it is important to involve a
wide range of individuals, organizations and businesses to make use of
existing talents and resources in the community, resolve disputes and
share the workload.
- What is the purpose of the market?
Clearly
defining the market's purpose or mission is perhaps the most important
task for market organizers. Typically, farmers' markets are created
with the primary purpose of serving local growers and consumers,
although it is widely recognized that farmers' markets also help
improve and revitalize downtowns and neighborhoods, provide a safe
place for people to gather and socialize, and improve access to fresh
food, among other things. However, a farmers' market will not succeed
unless growers are able to make a profit, despite the good intentions
of market organizers to promote other goals.
Subsequent
steps (from Starting
a Seasonal Open-Air Market in Kansas):
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Open
Air Markets Directory
North
American Farmers Markets
Books
for Farmers' Markets
How to Lease a Booth
at
Farmer's Market Online
Farmers Market Supply
Greenhouses
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