Perhaps you planted those first seeds with a goal of feeding your family , but as with many farm projects that start small , garden can quickly blossom into a much heavy endeavor . When your neighbour start locking their door for fear of more covert courgette deliveries , perhaps it ’s a preindication to start selling your bounty at Fannie Farmer ’ marketplace .
You wo n’t be alone in embracing granger ’ food market . harmonize to the USDA , as of mid-2010 more than 6,100 farmers ’ markets operated throughout the U.S. , a 16 - pct gain from 2009 . With continue interest in local food for thought , shoppers find oneself farmers ’ commercialise the undecomposed opportunity to “ know your farmer ” and convey healthy , fresh food to their family ’s plate .
But as with any farm - base venture , selling at a farmers ’ market should be a well - thought - out , strategic part of your farm - direction plan . Here are some tip to get started :
1 . Do Market ResearchIdeally , you ’ll identify a potential sodbuster ’ market the year before you want to set out selling and visit it several time during the season . Get a feel for the market and attendance flow . Is there enough shopper bulk to vindicate more vendors ?
“ Every market has its own finish and vibration , ” excuse Leigh Adcock , executive director of the Women , Food and Agriculture internet , an organization tie cleaning lady in sustainable farming . “ Some market place cater to busy shoppers who want to quickly buy their week ’s vegetables while others create a more societal mount with medicine and kids activities . blab to other grower and folks purchase at the securities industry to get a sense of what the market is like . ”
2 . Learn Farmers’-Market RulesUnderstand the regulations of the especial farmers ’ market place you ’re considering selling at . involve the market manager interrogative , and check that you may commit to the expectations . For example , you may inquire about principle regarding what you could sell . Some markets are “ manufacturer only , ” which typically intend you may only sell things you grew yourself , whereas others may let you to resell other items or include thing like cunning .
3 . start out SmallDon’t go overboard — test the farmers’-market water before investing in expensive collapsible shelter and gear . See if you may find a market where you may sell as a “ daily vendor ” to get started . These are markets that will let you commit to one market at a clock time bet on available space . This style , you’re able to get a look for selling at the Farmer ’ mart without over - charge . As you do these trial sales , take into account your driving fourth dimension and cost and sales volume to determine if this particular market is a secure long - term scene .
4 . Identify Your NicheHow is what you ’re selling dissimilar than other vendors at the farmers ’ market ? Sometimes it helps to specialize in selling varietals of one distinct detail , such as garlic . Another route is to creatively package your items . trusted , a peck of husbandman may be selling red , right Lycopersicon esculentum , but what if you sell greenish tomatoes , along with your recipe for fry unripened tomatoes ?
5 . Design Your Stand“Plan your stand ahead of time , and even do a ‘ dry run ’ rehearsal and set thing up at home before your first market , ” advises Blue Strom of Shady Blue Acres . Strom sells at the Dane County Farmers ’ Market in Madison , Wis. , the big manufacturer - only market in the country .
“ Colorful tablecloths and clean signage go a farsighted way in showcasing your production and increasing sales , ” she says
6 . Get OrganizedDevelop a system for organizing , transporting and setting up your product at the farmers ’ market .
“ Keep elaborate checklists of all the little things you ’ll need that easily are forgotten , such as little bill and coins to make variety , weighting for your tent in type it gets airy , and even special wearing apparel to prepare for weather change , ” enjoin Larry Johnson , manager of the Dane County Farmers ’ food market .
7 . Be Personally PreparedTake along water and snacks , and prioritise a good Nox ’s eternal rest the evening before , especially if you ’re selling at an early - morning grocery .
“ Nothing like a grumpy farmer first thing in the morning to decrease gross sales , ” Strom enunciate with a laugh . “ It ’s significant that everyone selling at the market put their good gay facial expression forward , as this help the market modernise a report as a favorable , fun place to shop class . ”
8 . Build RelationshipsShare information about your farm with your customers . Connect them with where and how your items were raised . Bring in pic and your preferred recipes .
Connect with other farmers at the securities industry , too , particularly at the end of the twenty-four hour period when there ’s the “ second market place ” go on : A lot of informal bartering happens between farmers at this clip .
