How to Start a Farmer's Market
Anyone thinking about starting a farmers' market should consider the following:- Mission statement: this should define the market's goals, management strategy, marketing methods, methods of measuring success, etc.
- Market rules: establish clear guidelines for what may or may not be sold at your market, map your bioregion, etc.
- Definition of a farmers' market (see NMFMA's definition)
- Farmers & Vendors: any potential market should have at least 5 farmers on board
- Nearby markets: visit nearby markets and talk to market managers--cooperation among markets is vital
The New Mexico Farmers' Marketing Association provides assistance to New Mexico communities wanting to start farmers' markets. We can be reached at 1-888-983-4400, or via email at dmiller@farmersmarketsnm.org
Our Market Manager Resource Guide (PDF), adapted from materials developed by the Federation of Farmers' Markets of New York, provides information on market rules, recruiting vendors, marketing and much more.
The Wallace Center has developed an excellent resource library for starting farmers' markets.
Click here to get straight to the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service's Farmers' Markets Marketing & Business Guide.
