Farmers' Market Initiatives
NOFA-VT has been working for 30 years to enhance direct marketing opportunities for farmers, to connect farmers and local consumers, and to maintain the viability of rural communities through farm-based economic development. Farmers’ market organization and technical assistance continue to be central to NOFA-VT’s mission. Our current work deals mainly with analysis, technical support, and promotion:
1. Evaluate the Economic and Social Value of Farmers’ Markets in Vermont Through Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis
Through annual surveys, on-site market assessments, and targeted research projects, NOFA-VT evaluates the economic and social impact of farmers’ markets. Our annual reports and collated data are available here. More specific research includes the 2006 collaboration with Dave Timmons, a UVM graduate student, to determine the economic value of farmers’ markets. He found the estimated sales from the 55 markets in 2005 was $3,511,000 (more data from his study can be found here).
2. Provide Technical Support and Networking Opportunities to Vermont Farmers’ Markets
Organizing & Maintaining Your Farmers’ Market
Organizing & Maintaining Your Farmers’ Market is a comprehensive resource manual on operating farmers’ markets in Vermont. The guide covers everything from vendor fees and manager pay to establishing a market organization and holding special events at markets. The PDF is available via our Resources page, and a print edition can be found in our bookstore.
Assist with on-site market evaluation and strategic planning
Rapid Market Assessment is our primary means to analyze markets. Using dot surveys, attendance counts, and constructive comments and observations, a small group of outside managers evaluate a target market – allowing market managers to establish relationships and learn from their peers. See RMA results from Middlebury and Montpelier.
We also provide consultation on strategic planning for markets. Our basic evaluation form is available in Appendix VI on our Resources page.
Organize technical trainings for market managers, board members, and vendors.
NOFA-VT holds an annual Direct Marketing Conference every January and seasonal technical trainings at markets.
Provide mini-grants for market development
In collaboration with a variety of foundations andsponsors, NOFA-VT offers mini-grants to farmers’ markets to improve infrastructure, business plans, and professional development. Follow this link for more information about upcoming mini-grant opportunities.
3. Work with Vermont farmers’ markets to expand direct market opportunities to low-income consumers
10% of Vermont’s population is food insecure. These Vermonters deserve access to the high-quality, farm-fresh foods available at Vermont farmers’ markets. NOFA-VT works with farmers’ markets and other statewide partners to improve access to farmers’ markets for limited-income Vermonters through initiatives such as the Vermont Farmers’ Market EBT and Debit Cards Project.
4. Improve consumer’s access and utilization of winter “off-season” fruits and vegetables.
Vermont has a short growing season, but an increasing year-round consumer demand for fresh, local products. Winter farmers’ markets are popping up all over the state. NOFA-VT supports winter farmers’ markets with targeted promotions, research on best practices, and has served as a fiscal sponsor for start-up markets.
5. Promote Farmers’ Markets in Vermont
NOFA-VT works collaboratively with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets and other statewide partners to promote farmers’ markets in Vermont through pamphlet, print, television and radio promotion. In addition, NOFA-VT coordinates with the markets to support special events including Shop Fresh with the Chef and Youth Farmers’ Markets.
6. Support for the Vermont Farmers’ Market Association
NOFA-VT is the fiscal sponsor and umbrella coordinator for the Vermont Farmers' Market Association (founded in 2008). The Vermont Farmers' Market Association mission is to encourage and establish successful farmers’ markets in Vermont that enhance direct marketing opportunities for market vendors while building direct connections between vendors and local consumers. Click to learn more about VFMA membership, governance, and work priorities. You can also learn more about the history of the VFMA here.
Current funding for NOFA-VT’s Farmers’ Market Project
- John Merck Fund
- USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG)
- USDA Farmers’ Market Promotion Program