Price Comparisons at Farmers Markets: Understanding Value & Affordability

In this webinar, farmer and community and economic development specialist Anthony Flaccavento of Rural SCALE, Inc. shares his 2011 study, Is Local Food Affordable for Ordinary Folks?: A Comparison of Farmers Markets and Supermarkets in Nineteen Communities in the Southeast, and offers advice on how this data can be part of efforts to reinforce markets’ commitment to equity and affordability.

The webinar was moderated by Nicky Uy, whose experience managing farmers markets for The Food Trust in Philadelphia has lent insight into the issue of affordability at farmers markets, and reinforced the need to communicate the true value of farmers markets using concise messaging that appeals to consumers of all ages, lifestyles, and income levels.

Download the powerpoint here.
Download the companion handout here.

Tomato Wars: Conflict Management for Farmers Markets

This 14-slide presentation from by Lynda Brushett of the Cooperative Development Institute covers the nature of conflict in a farmers market context, with tips on how to respond to and resolve conflicts that arise.

Flipchart of Emergency Procedures for your Farmers Market

This thorough template for an emergency flipchart contains an incident report form, emergency evacuation procedures, and steps top deal with fire, tornado, and other unforeseen events. Also includes a risk mitigation checklist. Developed by the Michigan Farmers Market Association.

New City Market Business Feasibility Study

This resource offers the Canadian New City Market’s detailed financial model for establishing costs and benefits for individual business units. The report offers research and community engagement suggestions for future services and infrastructure. This source is a helpful model for analyzing and planning the economic future of any farmers market.

Market Day: Hours, Location, Parking, and Weather

This brief marketshare document provides an overview of four important logistics to consider when planning a farmers market.

Organizational Details: 4M Strategy

Market Umbrella outlines their strategy of the “Four Ms” that helps structure their work, organize their resources, focus on their mission, and measure their results. They can be used to help order an idea and keep your organization on track.

Urbana’s Market at the Square Strategic Plan

This strategic plan, and stakeholder input profiles, were published in 2011 after the City of Urbana facilitated a first-ever strategic planning process to assist in planning the Market’s growth and future. The market strategic plan was then updated in 2016.

When Things Don’t Work: Some Insights into Why Farmers Markets Close

This study looks at 53 farmers markets in Oregon and describes the dynamics of farmers’ market start-ups, closures, and manager turnover focusing on administrative revenue and labor. It examines the data of farmers’ markets that have closed and offers recommendations to enhance market success.

A Learning Approach to Strengthening Farmers Markets

Oregon State University Extension Service discusses their methods for gathering information about farmers markets to improve markets and provide managers and board members with the opportunity to critically examine each others’ markets to share information and insight.

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.