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
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.
