Farmers Market Organizations Wanted for National Research Study

      Posted On: May 26, 2023

FMC is sharing an opportunity to participate in a research study on farmers market organizations, conducted by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Services (AMS) and Dr. Hilary King at Emory University. They want your help to identify farmers markets across the country.

Many farmers markets are run by organizations that exist to manage that one market. But just as often, market organizations take other forms. This study focuses on two types of market organizations: 1) farmers market umbrella organizations (that manage multiple markets) and 2) organizations whose primary activities are not managing the farmers market (for example, a downtown association, university, or parks and recreation department may run a market, but that is not the organization’s primary work).

These two market organization types are of interest because they operate differently than other direct-market outlets. Input from FMC suggests that such management differences lead to distinct sets of benefits, challenges, and opportunities. This study will improve understanding of how these farmers market organizations function, define success, and serve their communities.

The research team is especially hoping to flesh out the sparse areas of our current map. Check out this map to see who they have already listed.

Although they’ve found many farmers market organizations of the above types already, they are trying to cast as wide a net as possible, which is why they’re also soliciting nominations from people who work with farmers markets.

To fill out the 30-second nomination form, visit this link: https://forms.gle/sWFeE75H1ya77ZGV8. The form will be open until Friday, June 2, 2023.

More information about the study:

The team will review the websites and social media of all included farmers market organizations to assess their funding and staffing strategies and their primary activities. There is no time commitment or other expectation for organizations. For more information, please contact Dr. Hilary King at hbking@emory.edu.