In September of 2009, the Rutgers Food Innovation Center released the findings of a study entitled “New Opportunities for New Jersey Community Farmers Markets”. This report should prove highly valuable to those involved, or looking to become involved, in community farmers markets, whether in a vendor or market management position. Information is provided for vendors seeking to understand the financial and time commitment they will be required to make, revenue estimates they might expect and what sort of products consumers are expecting to see at a market. Managers of community farmers markets can glean information regarding the process of starting a market, vendor fees, market promotion, creation of bylaws, vendor management and much more. This report can be downloaded for free. A press release that provides additional detail about this report can be found and viewed by clicking here.
In 2008, roughly 4,700 farmers markets were operating in the U.S., selling over $1 billion of farm-fresh products to American consumers. These numbers continue to rise each year as vendors and consumers take advantage of the growing benefits and opportunities that farmers markets provide.
The Food Innovation Center has developed two online courses to assist market vendors and sponsors establish, maintain and grow successful farmers market operations.
These courses outline the Best Practices for Farmers Market:
Farmers and Vendors, and
Both these courses are self-paced, with no instructor. This allows you to go through the material at a time that is convenient for you, and to take the time you need to fully review the material and the extensive reference materials that are provided.
Read about Rutgers' farmer markets:
Rutgers, Johnson & Johnson, and New Brunswick bring farmers market to city residents
