Farmers Market and Green Fairs:
Established /Holding Farmers Market and Green Fairs
Establish and promote farmers markets and Green Fairs, either in the municipality or its vicinity. Increasing sales and attendance providing benefits to farmers and the constituents. If a farmers market does not already exist in a municipality, determine if there is enough need and interest to create a farmers market.
Established yearly Benchmark, Goal, Steps for completion Playbook
Organizing and/or promoting these events can come from the municipal Green Team, Public Works Department, Parks and Recreation representatives, community non-profit organizations, local Chambers of Commerce or local volunteers. Support can come through schools and school- based parent organizations, local chefs, caterers, Maryland Agriculture Extension Offices, local farmers. The local health department should be involved to make sure local health regulations are met.
Playbook Steps
Find interested farming operations and other value-added vendors to participate (e.g., cheese, honey, soap).
Select a market site that is centrally located, easily accessible, well-traveled and highly visible with adequate parking.
Publicize the farmers market/fair all season long.
Establish procedures for the market/fair:
Number of months the market will be open
Determine weekly sale day(s) and hours of operation.
Establish market by-laws that specify fees, health and insurance requirements; outline product limitations and establish a “not permitted for sale” list; define a method for resolving market disputes.
Establish a fee schedule for the rental of space (e.g., stall fee, per day fee, per month fee, seasonal fee) and method to assign space.
Ensure all produce is high quality and priced competitively.
Seek sponsors and market day underwriters to support special events, entertainment, and cooking demonstrations as well as the general operations.
Farmers Market Extended Season
In an effort to encourage farmers to extend their growing season and to encourage eating locally year round, farmers markets that stay open 3 months longer than the normal season (June-October) will be awarded 5 extra points.