Understanding the Link Between Farmers’ Market Size and Management Organization

A summary of key findings discuss best practices for markets based on four different sizes, micro, small, medium, and large. The paper also advises managers how to effectively transition a market into a larger size category.

Opening a Farmers Market on Federal Property

This guide for market operators and building managers, this resource discusses how market operators and building managers can establish and operate farmer markets on Federal properties. Because most Federal buildings are prominently positioned in central business districts, they’re great places to open a farmers market, and sites may be available for use at minimal or no cost. Developed by AMS and GSA, the agency that operates most Federal properties.

Greenbelt Farmers Market Application and Agreement Form

This packet contains a letter, checklist and application form, including a product availability chart and agreement. The Greenbelt Farmers Market is a producer-only market and 501(c)(3) located in Greenbelt, Maryland.

“Roots” Guidelines for WSFMA membership

A set of guidelines established by the Washington State Farmers Market Association to which their members must adhere. As stated, “Regardless of the Market’s location or the number of vendors, Washington State consumers have the same expectations, and it is these expectations that every Farmers Market should meet if it truly intends to be successful in its goals:

1. A Farmers Market is where a grower can sell directly to the consumer and is most likely the small farmer’s best opportunity to profit from their land and efforts; and
2. A Farmers Market is a marketplace where consumers can talk directly to the grower, purchase the freshest produce possible, and experience the health-giving effects of that freshness.

FRESHFARM Markets Rules and Applications

FRESHFARM Markets in Washington DC’s online step-by-step resource for potential vendors to 1) find out if they quality, 2) learn about the rules and guidelines, and 3) apply.

Farmers Markets Rules, Regulations and Opportunities

This study examines the structure and operation of farmers markets in the United States, giving special attention to the legal and regulatory issues that may shape their operation to identify the most important challenges vendors and managers of markets may face.

Farmers Market Evaluation Checklist

A two-page form that offers a comprehensive checklist for any third party evaluating the characteristics of a given farmers market so that managers can improve their services.

Locating Farmers Markets: Site Selection Tool

An interactive tool designed by Matthew Peters to evaluate potential sites for a farmers market. Refer to Locating Farmers Markets: An Evaluation Methodology to Inform Site Selection for Farmers Markets (also in the Resource Library) for additional guidance.

Locating Farmers Markets: An Evaluation Methodology to Inform Site Selection for Farmers Markets

This details Matthew Peters’ professional project creating a tool to evaluate possible sites for a relocating market. Using a multi-criterion approach, this project establishes criteria, appropriate weights for stakeholders, and evaluates potential sites for the relocation of the Columbia City Farmers Market.  The Site Selection Tool is available in the FMC library as well.

Farmers Market Manager Training Manual (New York)

This 216 page manual from the Farmers’ Market Federation of New York describes the role of market managers and provides checklists, sample policies, worksheets, and other hands-on tools to help managers start markets, build market communities, and harness the power of these communities to sustain the markets and their local food systems.