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Entrepreneurship:  Starting a Farmer's Market  |
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TejasFarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
105 Posts
Dawnn
Bartonville
Texas
USA
105 Posts |
 Posted - Apr 21 2006 : 8:16:30 PM
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I am seriously considering starting a farmer's market in the county where I live. I feel it is one way that I can contribute to a local sustainable farming. There is not a farmer's market near here. I would start small-probably a short season with one day a week (Saturday). The biggest problem I think would be finding the location - a location that could be the same for awhile because I live in an area that is experiencing rapid growth. The small town I live in may be an option - they have closed down one street for town functions once in awhile so perhaps I could talk to them about "leasing" the street for the market - there is also ample parking nearby and it is close to to a large housing development.
Another thought is that the housing development (we currently live there while our "farm" is being renovated) has a town green area along with a website and marketing, etc. They host seasonal functions and live music every friday night in May. Perhaps I can contact them too.
I have located some local producers through localharvest.org that I have thought about contacting.
I know there are some great resources out there on this topic but I value the farmgirls advice.
What do you think, Ladies? |
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ThymeForEweFarm
True Blue Farmgirl
705 Posts
Robin
An organic farm in the forest in
Maine
USA
705 Posts |
Posted - Apr 22 2006 : 03:52:21 AM
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Excellent idea! That's exciting! Good good luck!
The town will most likely be willing to let you use the space without charging you. FMs are an asset to the community. They might be able to add you on to the town's insurance policy to cover the market when it's on town property.
Robin
www.thymeforewe.com
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Libbie
Farmgirl Connection Cultivator
3579 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
3579 Posts |
Posted - Apr 22 2006 : 09:26:04 AM
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I just picked up the book "The New Farmers' Market," and it has some really good ideas and information in it. You may want to check out your library for it - or even order it if it sounds helpful.
Our nearest town is just starting up a farmers market, and it's in huge cooperation with the extension agent/Farm Bureau. You also might want to ask them about providing some assistance - insurance, maybe?
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
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Lacy
True Blue Farmgirl
114 Posts
Lacy
Dallas
Texas
114 Posts |
Posted - May 02 2006 : 11:54:09 AM
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Dawnn-- that is interesting. My DH and I are trying to work up a business plan to start an organic produce delivery company... they have on in California that we used to use called "Organic Express", and we thought it could support our sustainable and organic beliefs, whild making organic, local produce more widely available in our area.
http://farmaspirations.blogspot.com |
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TejasFarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
105 Posts
Dawnn
Bartonville
Texas
USA
105 Posts |
Posted - May 02 2006 : 6:44:42 PM
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I have seen those on the web, Lacy. Great idea! I would definately use it. Have you looked it to organic wholesalers? Localharvest.org is a good place to get an idea of the locally available produce around DFW. There is much more down by Austin than up here but more and more are popping up.
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Mari-dahlia
True Blue Farmgirl
269 Posts
Marianne
Hoosick Falls
New York
USA
269 Posts |
Posted - May 03 2006 : 05:16:43 AM
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Dawnn,
I have just taken over the market in my town and the first thing I did was change the time to during out band concerts on Wednesday nights. I think during your friday night events would be great. It is also easier to get farmers envolved if they know they have a built in audience and your community would not have to show up twice. |
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Lacy
True Blue Farmgirl
114 Posts
Lacy
Dallas
Texas
114 Posts |
Posted - May 03 2006 : 08:04:06 AM
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Local Harvest is a great resource... This is really HIGH on my DH's list (since he hates his job even more than I do) and he's really the one doing all sorts of research and starting to get in touch with local farmers. His idea is to start small and get about 10-20 clients in our neighborhood interested, gather produce from VERY local farmers on Saturdays and deliver on Sundays.
I also think doing it during another event would be great! We used to live in Los Angeles where EVERY neighborhood has a farmer's market, and the best ones were definitely the ones that included pony rides, musicians, and other entertainment along with the fresh food and flowers. Maybe you could look into "extending" the weekly/monthly event to include your market...
http://farmaspirations.blogspot.com |
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Entrepreneurship: Starting a Farmer's Market |
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Starting a Farmer's Market
