2026 Farmers Market Conference

The 2026 Vermont Farmers Market Conference was a great success! Some feedback:

"I liked the breakout sessions of small groups with a specific topic. Made it easier to ask questions and get ideas from both the facilitator and the participants."

"Found workshops on market collaboration to be super helpful and the best presentations I’ve attended at any VTFMA conference"

"Realize that large and small markets have very similar problems"

Workshop Descriptions:

Community Partnerships and Collaboration
Farmers markets are an integral part of their local community. Many markets across the state have established close partnerships with organizations in their communities that serve both the market and the partnering organization. We will hear from two market leaders about how they set up partnerships to boost volunteerism, improve food security, and more. 

Presenters: Sarah Stillman, Shelburne Farmers Market; Hayley Williams, Hardwick Farmers Market

SNAP (Re)-Authorization and Compliance
In the past year, scrutiny of SNAP usage at farmers markets has grown. It is important for markets to be clear about the rules of being an FNS Authorized Retailer, be prepared for a possible site visit from FNS, and be prepared for renewing their FNS Retailer License. This session will teach market leaders how to ensure they're set up for success in their relationship with FNS, going over initial authorization and reauthorization, as well as the FNS Retailer rules.

Presenters: Andrew Graham & Johanna Doren, NOFA-VT; Whitney Butler, MarketLink

Let’s Collaborate! Build a Farmers Market Network That Fits
Two is greater than one, and a farmers market network is better than none. A farmers market network isn't about homogenizing farmers markets, but improving the efficiency and effectiveness of them. Combine resources, expertise and impact with a farmers market network that fits. This session will introduce the many versions of a farmers market network and how to develop one that works for you. 

Presenter: Jaime Hadji, Ohio Farmers Market Network

Market Governance
Running a market organization smoothly is no small task! Conflicts between board members, vendors, and market managers can arise quickly and stick around for months or years if not addressed appropriately. Markets that have clear policies to address the wide variety of situations that can arise, a healthy culture of working through differences, and strong governance systems have more long-term success, particularly in retaining vendors, board members and managers. 

Presenter: Emily Boedecker, Momentum Consulting

Farmers markets are integral to our thriving local food system, and serve as important small business incubators. The annual VT Farmers Market Conference brings together market managers, organizers, vendors, and community members from across the state for a full day of education, resource-sharing, and networking. The conference offers resources and information from service providers, state agencies, and fellow market organizers. To stay informed about what is going on with farmers markets in Vermont and ask questions of other market leaders, make sure that your market email address is subscribed to the VTFMA listserv.

This conference is sponsored by a USDA AMS Farmers Market Promotion Program grant and the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, & Markets.

Previous conference presentations available to watch online:

• Fundraising for Farmers Markets
• Planning & Implementing Digital Marketing
• Data Collection Tools for Your Market