Management

There are lots of things you’re responsible for if you want to run a farmers market. On this page, you’ll find a range of helpful resources. Learn about farmers market management, best practices, and farm market safety.

Farmers Market Management and Best Practices

Farmers markets come in many shapes and sizes, but management skills and best practices are common to them all. All retail food facilities, including farm markets and farm stands, have to be inspected and licenses by the PA Department of Agriculture (PDA). A guidebook has been issued to help farmers markets and people selling products through a retail farm market or farm stand meet the regulatory requirements.

Rules and regulations have to be followed, and these are important for setting guidelines for vendors at a farmers market. Legal incorporation of a farmers market is one of the legal issues you might have to contend with.

If you want to increase your market day bottom line, take some time evaluating how you plan to sell your products. Prospective customers will expect to see certain things from you. When you get ready for farmers market season, consider signage, displays, and telling your story.

Developing a roadside farm market is a viable alternative to community farmers markets. However, it does require a great deal of planning and a thorough examination of a wide range of issues. A basic understanding of some accounting principles is key for managing cash flow for your market. Financial support is available via Community Supported Agriculture.

Farm Market Safety

Food safety practices must be in place at every point along the farm-to-fork continuum, including farmers markets. Ensuring food safety at farmers markets is an important responsibility of the vendors. The Farmers Market Food Safety Resource Guide provides detailed information on food safety concepts and includes practical tips and checklists.

Farm market safety also involves preparations for natural disasters. See what you can do to prepare your market, vendors, and shoppers for what might come next.