[FMC] WSU, State release farmers market manual

[Stacy Miller]

I've had the chance to see one of these manuals, and they appear pretty
comprehensive. States without something similar or in the process of putting
one together might find it helpful.*
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* WSU, State release farmers market manual*

Mar 25 2008

With the start of spring, fresh food enthusiasts are anticipating their
first visit of the year to one of Washington's 120 farmers markets. With
today's increasingly competitive food and agricultural markets, more farmers
are turning to direct market sales at rural, city and neighborhood farmers
markets.

Market board members and market managers are using a new tool this year to
boost farmers' sales and nurture consumer interest to support a successful
2008 season for farmers markets.

In cooperation with the Washington State University (WSU) Small Farms
Program, the Washington State Department of Agriculture is distributing a
90-page Washington State Farmers Market Manual that has everything one needs
to know to run a successful farmers market. The collaborative project
included support from members of the Washington State Farmers Market
Association (WSFMA), WSU and other university specialists, market managers
and outside experts.

The first copies of the manual were distributed at a recent conference of
the WSFMA. WSDA used a specialty crop grant from the U.S. Department of
Agriculture to support the manual's production.

"It's a 'how to' manual that's suitable for market managers, board members
and community members interested in improving their farmers market or
starting a new market," said Marcy Ostrom, director of the WSU Small Farms
Program. "We received lots of requests to package this sort of information
into a useful handbook."

The manual elaborates a step-by-step process for establishing a new farmers
market, best market management practices for existing markets and a
strategic planning process to strengthen existing markets.

The growth of farmers markets is driven by consumer demand. Statewide,
farmers markets reported $38 million in sales in 2006, the latest figures
available. Market managers report they often hear customers saying they
value gathering with friends and family at a farmers market. Benefits
include being out in the fresh air, discovering new products, meeting
farmers and learning more about how the food was produced.

"There is room for more farmers markets in Washington and several
communities are planning new markets," said Patrice Barrentine, direct
marketing coordinator with WSDA's Small Farm & Direct Marketing Program.
"The manual is a valuable tool to support the viability of any existing or
new farmers market."

To download a copy of the manual, go to agr.wa.gov/Marketing/SmallFarm on
the WSDA Web site or visit the WSU Small Farms Program Web site at
smallfarms.wsu.edu. Copies of the farmers market manual are available from
WSDA by e-mailing smallfarms at agr.wa.gov.

For a list of farmers markets throughout Washington, go to the Washington
State Farmers Market Association Web site at wafarmersmarkets.com/.


-------------------------------------
Stacy M. Miller
Executive Secretary
Farmers Market Coalition
stacy at farmersmarketcoalition.org
304-685-2669
www.farmersmarketcoalition.org

"All of the animals except for man know that the principle business of life
is to enjoy it."
- Samuel Butler
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