Launching a Farmers Market

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Farmers’ Markets: Marketing and Business Guide
Janet Bachmann, ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service
The number of farmers’ markets has increased dramatically in the U.S. during the past two decades. This publication is a resource for those who want to organize a farmers' market, to improve an existing market, or to increase their sales.
24 pages. 1.2 mb PDF

Starting a Farmers Market
Christa Hofmann and Jennifer Dennis, Department of Agricultural Economics Purdue University
Communities interested in starting a farmers’ market should follow a series of steps to evaluate the feasibility of the idea for their area. Three components are required to begin and operate a farmers’ market: a location, vendors, and customers. A series of planning meetings will help with determining a location, understanding whether vendors are available in the area, and evaluating customer interest. Excellent resource for setting market planning meeting agendas.
4 pages. 152 kb PDF

Starting a New Farmers Market
Farmers Market Management series, Vol. 1
University of California Small Farm Program
This 104-page manual is the first in a three-part professional development curriculum for farmers market managers. The first volume examines the start-up process, and can be useful for both beginning and veteran farmers market managers.
108 pages. 3,236 KB

Download by Chapter
     1.     An Introduction to Farmers Markets (867 KB)
     2.     Envisioning the Farmers Market in Your Community (873 KB)
     3.     Organizing in a Low-Income Area (515 KB)
     4.     Federal Food Assistance Programs (546 KB)
     5.     Conducting the Feasibility Study: Market Analysis (374 KB)
     6.     Conducting the Feasibility Study: Site Assessment (673 KB)
     7.     Conducting the Feasibility Study: Financial Analysis (See Chp. 6 - 8)
     8.     Conducting the Feasibility Study: Vendor Recruitment (See Chp. 6 - 8)
     9.     Establishing the Market as an Organization (439 KB)
    10.    Establishing the Market Manager (500 KB)
    11.    Hiring a Market Manager (428 KB)
    12.    Creating the Budget and Bookkeeping System (492 KB)
    13.    Creating Market Rules (429 KB)
    14.    Recruiting and Orienting Vendors (456 KB)
    15.    Promoting and Advertising Your New Market (433 KB)
    16.    Preparing for Opening Day (841 KB)

Starting a Seasonal Open-Air Market in Kansas
Claire Homitzky, Kansas Rural Center, and Jana Beckman, K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University
The effort to organize a farmers’ market may be initiated by a number of different individuals, including a producer, a community member or an agricultural professional from the private or public sector. The purpose of this manual is to help guide these efforts, although it may also be useful to market vendors as well.
22 pages. 1.5 mb PDF

Starting and Operating a Farmers' Market: Frequently Asked Questions
Bill McKelvey, Mary Hendrickson and Crystal Weber, University of Missouri
Starting and operating a farmers' market can be an exciting, satisfying and worthwhile endeavor. It does not have to be intimidating, especially if you remember to keep things simple, enlist the help of others and practice good communication. This guide was developed to make your process easier and address a number of commonly asked questions posed by market organizers. By following this guide and using the resources provided throughout the text in your own community, you will have the tools needed to develop and grow a successful farmers' market.
Online resource click here.
 

Step by Step Guide for Establishing a Farmers' Market Association
Diane Eggert, Executive Director Farmers' Market Federation of New York and Nathan Rudgers, Commissioner New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets
This publication explores the association structure and provides markets guidance in establishing an association. An association is a governing structure for a farmers market that is farmer/member-driven. It runs with a board of directors elected by the membership and a set of officers usually elected by the Board and follows a set of by-laws that has been voted upon by the membership. The board of directors sets the policies for the Association and the market and contracts with a  manager to cover the daily operations of the market.
11 pages. 112 kb PDF

Survey for Consumers
Farmers Market Federation of New York
This Word document is a template you can use to assess the level of interest of consumers in the community for a new farmers market. Questions include potential frequency of attendance, preferred day and time, ideal location, requested amenities, general demographic information, and willingness to take part in the establishment of the market. By utilizing this survey, market planners can determine consumer interested, develop a solid plan and set reasonable goals.
3 page. 44 kb PDF

Survey for Surrounding Businesses
Farmers Market Federation of New York
This Word document is a template you can adapt to gauge potential support from area businesses. Questions include preferences on market day and time, types of products,  willingness to take part in the establishment and promotion of the market as well as an opportunity for the business owner to express concerns. Building relationships with area businesses is vital for market success. Giving these community members a voice early in the process of developing your market, you will become aware of potential friction and increase the likelihood of positive alliances.
2 pages. 52 kb Word document

Survey for Potential Market Growers 1
Farmers Market Federation of New York
This Word document is a template you can adapt to gauge potential for participation by your area's farmers. Questions include types of products, product season length, prferences in location, day and time of market, desired amenities and willingness to take part in the establishment of the market. As more communities add markets, competition for farmer participation increases. It is important to determine if your market will be able to recruit a sufficient number of growers offering a diversity of products.
 3 pages. 47 kb Word document
 

Survey for Potential Market Growers 2
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
This Word document is a template you can adapt to gauge potential for participation by your area's farmers. Questions include types of products, acres in production, product season length, and willingness to take part in the establishment of the market. As more communities add markets, competition for farmer participation increases. It is important to determine if your market will be able to recruit a sufficient number of growers offering a diversity of products.
1 page. 56 kb Word document

Timeline for Establishing a Community Farmers Market
adapted from a Missouri Department of Agriculture guide
The following timetable proposes a calendar of actions and activities that can be followed to establish a community farmers’ market. Consider it a “things to do” list or checklist. While this timeline begins in January, communities would ideally begin exploring the development of a market the summer before a market opens.
1 page. 240 kb PDF