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AEC-77 <br /> COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE <br /> UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY • COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE <br /> Establishing and Operating <br /> a Community Farmers' Market <br /> Forrest Stegelin, Extension Marketing and Agribusiness Specialist <br /> Consumers today are expressing renewed interest in Proposed Timetable <br /> buying food directly from the farmer or grower. At one Thefollowing timetable proposes a calendar ofactions <br /> time, farmers' markets flourished. Over the years, with and activities that should be followed to establish a <br /> improved transportation, improved storage facilities, and community farmers' market. Consider it a "things to do" <br /> modern mass merchandising, local farmers' marketsslowly list or checklist. <br /> disappeared. <br /> Increasing transportation costs and consumers' new <br /> awareness of the importance of fresh vegetables and fruit January • Gather a group of interested people <br /> in the diet are creating new opportunities for marketing • Determine specific goals and tasks <br /> local production to consumers through farmers' markets. <br /> Furthermore, community leaders are realizing the February • Explore the mechanics of direct marketing <br /> • Look for and settle on <br /> economic opportunities and rewards of farmers' markets a and fund • Gain community support po and fund raising <br /> in the realm of community (metro and non - metro) • Check into legalities <br /> development. • Begin publicity to farmers <br /> What is a community farmers' market? This form of (continue through May) <br /> direct marketing is located in or near a community and <br /> offers the market environment and market convenience March • Promote the farmers' market concept <br /> where many sellers can sell their farm - origin products to <br /> many customers. April • Market management and organization <br /> This publication is designed to help community leaders, <br /> policy- makers, consumers, and marketers establish and May • Begin publicity to consumers <br /> manage a community farmers' market. (continue through September) <br /> June • Open the fanners' market <br /> ESTABLISHING A July • Promote the farmers' market (peak season) <br /> FARMERS' MARKET August • Sponsor a special activity <br /> Five topics need to be considered when establishing September • Organize and solidify farmer - consumer <br /> a farmers' market: market feasibility; sponsorship of a association <br /> farmers' market; creating a favorable environment; location <br /> and site considerations; and marketfacilities. The planning October • Extend the marketing season with fall crops <br /> stages are critical to the success of the operation, especially <br /> when the farmers' market is a new market outlet to the November • Solicit and evaluate suggestions from <br /> buyers and the sellers. farmers and consumers <br /> December • Close market <br /> AGRICULTURE • HOME ECONOMICS • 4 -H • DEVELOPMENT <br />