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Farmerti' i\~l~irl:cls http://attn.neat.org/1lU'~l-I)UI)IP%11't11111rI<l.hU111 <br />(~ <br />skills and learning which products customers want most. In addition, many growers enjoy <br />the interaction with customers and other vendors, and say "This is my social life!" <br />For customers, too, the farmers' market is not just a place to buy food, but a social affair. A <br />festive ahnosphere helps to bring people to markets, where they can talk with farmers about <br />how the produce was grown and how it can be prepared. <br />[~~;cl<: ~~~ <<1i1 <br />~~•g~~~H~~ng ~ I~1~w l~arlcet <br />A new market is often started by a small group of people who recognize the potential <br />benefits for their community and for local producers. Although markets are sometimes <br />established with as few as three to five regular vendors, a larger number of vendors <br />generally `will draw more customers. Your local Cooperative Extension Service may be able <br />to help you compile a list of potential vendors to invite to your first organizational meeting. <br />Use local news media to help publicize your intentions. <br />r~lthou~h some markets may be very informally organized, a set of bylaws, rules, and <br />ru~,ulations ~a~ill help to prevent problems down the road. Some of the issues to be <br />~ulc!ressed arc; <br />IJcadcrship, \~~ho will serve on the board of directors? Some market boards are <br />made up ea~tirely of vendors, while some include other people from the community. <br />Management. Will the manager be a market member or hired from outside the <br />market? What are the terms of employment? What are the responsibilities? <br />© Vendor membership. Who can be a member and vendor? Are there geographic <br />restrictions? <br />® Location. Is the market site easily accessible, aesthetically pleasing, and highly <br />visible? Does it have shade from trees or a structure to provide protection from the <br />elements? Does it provide adequate parking and display space for vendors? Are <br />elech•icity, water, and restrooms available? <br />o- Flours, da~rs, and months of operation. When is the market open? At what time on <br />a market day do vendors need to be in their assigned space? When does the space <br />need to be vacated? <br />~~ Iir•csh proclt.icts. Will you have aproducers-only market, with vendors selling only <br />produce grown on their own farm? Or will farmers sell what they grow along with <br />produce from other local farms? Or will vendors sell any produce they can purchase, <br />locally or not, acting essentially as brokers? <br />o Value-added products. Will these be made primarily from vendor-grown produce? <br />How do state and federal agencies regulate production and marketing? <br />~.rts and crafts. Will these be allowed? If so, will they be juried or limited in <br />number? <br />~ t;011ti111leI'S, weights, and measures. Are these regulated in any way by the state? <br />Space assignme~lts. How will spaces be assigned for the season? Seniority, number <br />of markets attended the previous year, and sales volume are used in some markets. <br />Sp~.ice a~xi membership fees. What is fair for both large- and small-volume <br />vendors? 1Vhat does the market need to operate? <br />I'r•icing. I-low twill you ensure competitive pricing? This may take an educational <br />effort to promote quality and presentation over price fixing, and harmony and <br />cooperation beh-veer vendors. Most markets insist that vendors post their prices. <br />© I~r-ocess for dealing with infractions of rules. How can the rules be enforced fairly, <br />firmly, and consistently? How can a member appeal a penalty? <br />? ul C, 10/2/07 9:12 A19 <br />