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2026 Farmers Market Conference
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The 2026 Vermont Farmers Market Conference will be taking place on Wednesday, March 11th, in Debevoise Hall of the Vermont Law & Graduate School in South Royalton. Join us for a day of learning and networking with many farmers market managers, board members and vendors.
We will enjoy a full day of programming on Wednesday, March 11th followed by a casual gathering afterwards with drinks and snacks. Conference activities will take place from 9:30 - 4:30. There will also be an opportunity to exchange wooden tokens that belong to other markets with the leaders of those markets, and perhaps receive back some wooden tokens that belong to your market.
Conference Schedule:
9:00 - Doors Open/Networking with Coffee & Tea
9:30 - Find your seats and get settled, welcome from dean of Center for Agriculture & Food Systems at VLGS (a major partner in creating the Farmers Market Legal Toolkit).
9:45 - Conference Opens, Welcome, VTFMA Board member and candidate introductions
10:00 - VTFMA Update
10:25 - State Agency Updates
11:15 - Break
11:25 - Topical Discussion Groups: SNAP & Incentive Programs, Vendor Relationships, Marketing, Governance, Advocacy, New Markets & Managers, and more
12:05 - Lunch, VTFMA Board Election, Wooden Token Exchange
1:00 - Community Partnerships and Collaboration and SNAP Authorization and Compliance
2:15 - Break
2:30 - Regional Market Collaboration and Networks and Market Governance
3:45 - Break
4:00 - Networking with similarly-sized markets (Large, Medium & Small)
4:30 - Closing and Conference Adjourns
4:45 - Meet at Carlita's Cantina to continue the discussion! (5-minute walk)
Registration Fees:
Markets that have already renewed their VTFMA membership for 2026 are eligible for discounted registration! The market manager and board members may use the member rate. NOFA-VT members who aren't affiliated with a VTFMA market may also use the reduced rate. As with all NOFA-VT events, people identifying as Black, Indigenous or a Person Of Color may opt for free registration to this conference.
- VTFMA/NOFA-VT members: $45
- Non-members: $55
- If one person from your market is paying for a full-price registration, additional people from your market may register for $30
- BIPOC (Black, Indigenous or Person of Color): Free of charge
Please email Andrew Graham ASAP if:
- Your market cannot afford the registration fee
- You prefer to pay by check
- You would like there to be childcare at the conference
Register for the Conference
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 Compliance and (Re)Authorization
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.
Presenters: Andrew Graham & Johanna Doren, NOFA-VT; MarketLink Staff Member
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: TBD
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: