When deciding to start a Farmers Market, there are several things to consider. You’ll need to secure a location, determine the hours of operation, and decide what to sell. You can approach community service agencies and ask for their opinion to establish your market. The location should be easy to reach for customers and visible. Some locations are better for urban markets than others. You can also ask local businesses about how to support your farmers market. Depending on your location, your goal might be to sell locally grown produce, but this is not a requirement.
Farmers Markets are usually created to benefit local producers and consumers. This not only helps revitalize downtown areas, but also improves access to fresh, local food. However, farmers markets cannot survive without a profit for the farmers and community. Therefore, it’s important to make sure you plan ahead for the business and invite the mayor to attend the grand opening event. You can also plan plenty of activities to attract media coverage. Listed below are some ways to promote your Farmers Market:
Arriving late or leaving early is not a good idea. Farmers should stay at their booths for the whole day. Customers will perceive your departure as a robbery, and they’ll be less likely to come back. In addition, arriving late will disrupt the operations of the market. In both situations, it’s important to maintain the integrity of the Farmers Market to attract customers. So, how do you get the most out of your Farmers Market?
Organizing a Farmers Market can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. With a little planning and effort, you’ll be well on your way to success. By following the guide below, you’ll be well on your way to running a successful Farmers Market. It also provides links to helpful resources. If you’d like to start a Farmers Market in your area, check out the MU Extension’s Direct Marketing program.
To make it easier for farmers to participate, make sure your farmers sign a contract. Many Farmers Markets have contracts that require the farmers to attest to the accuracy of all the information on the contract. You can find a sample contract at Appendix H. You should review this document thoroughly before signing it. The market rules may require you to visit a farm and learn more about their farming practices. It is also important to consider the economic hardships faced by many communities.
In addition to farmers and vendors, you should also have some signage at the market location. Putting up electioneering style signs on each market day will remind consumers of the market and direct them to the market. If possible, consider printing promotional pieces for the farmers market on local businesses and home computers. Hand held signs can also draw consumers. Ensure you have a complete marketing plan. You should be able to get the word out by using coupons, two-for-one specials, and promotional activities.
A display stand for your produce can increase your chances of getting customers. Display stands can be as simple as a fold-up card table, wooden boxes, or even plywood over saw horses. Make sure to protect the produce from rain and the sun. Canopies or beach umbrellas can also add distinction to your display. Any moveable structure about seven feet high can do. Be sure to identify yourself and have legible information on the signs. The more interesting your stall is, the more likely customers you’ll have.
If you don’t have the resources to hire a full-time paid manager, consider hiring a volunteer who can devote some of his or her free time to the market. These volunteers have limited time and are most likely to have other commitments. As a result, their efforts are secondary to their paid duties. A paid manager will be more likely to promote the market and recruit new farmers. Whether you hire a paid manager or a volunteer, hiring someone to help run the market can be a great way to make it a success.
The Market Manager is in charge of day-to-day operations and short-term planning for the market. This person should be passionate about the idea of starting a farmers market. Since the market manager has a variety of responsibilities, it’s important to find someone with a lot of experience in running a Farmers Market. They should be sensitive to the needs of the growers and the community as a whole. These professionals will make a difference.
