In our present-day scene, social, economic, and environmental problems are pressing, and because these wicked problems have no ending point, public health emergencies will continue to occur. However, there’s always a way forward, for instance, through embracing wicked opportunities- a reconstruction of problematic socio-organizational circumstances and context. One being farmers markets and similar outdoor, periodic […]
How can the Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market enhance its culture of inclusivity as well as its vendor and visitor diversity? The Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market (BCFM) solicited the support of students and experts at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to address this question and determine off-season and in-season best practices. After 46 seasons, the Bloomington Community […]
Farmers market managers and governors around the country have to push back against unrealistic government pronouncements, both must transform limited resources into economic and social health, and both must balance strong rules with principles that support creative responses to the demanding circumstances of COVID. Problem solving market managers deftly dance between vendors, consumers, and government, […]
How to Prep for your Famers Market Season during COVID-19 COVID-19 impacted virtually all businesses and arrived right before the start of market season. Fortunately, in 12 and counting states, farmers markets are essential and can continue operations. How can you ensure the health of your vendors and customers who come to your market? We […]
Farmers markets are usually seen as places where creations are shared: market visitors come to buy the produce, crafts, and food products which have already been produced by the vendors. But as any market manager knows, farmers markets are places where creation happens. Farmers markets are like “local gardens”, small plots of land which grow […]
Farm 2 Facts is thrilled to announce that we’re currently developing a new metric to represent LGBTQ+ vendors at farmers markets. LGBTQ+ farmers are an underrecognized but essential part of agriculture, especially sustainable agriculture. We spoke with University of Wisconsin sociology PhD candidate Jaclyn Wypler, who studies queer and transgender sustainable farmers in conservative rural […]
“Is my farmers market really for everyone??” “What kinds of barriers stop people from getting fresh, healthy produce?” As a market manager or someone who is passionate about local food, these questions have probably passed through your mind. Previous Farm 2 Facts team member Chloe Green sought to answer them, and her project is far from […]
Farmers market managers job descriptions include a long list of responsibilities that continue to grow and become more complex every year. As a market manager you know a lot about your market. But, how do you convey that information, to whom, and why? Knowledge about your market is very important for you and for organizations […]
Congratulations on starting your farmers market! You are a providing a great resource for your community. We know that managing your own market can feel overwhelming and risky, especially in the beginning. We want to support your efforts and see you grow, so we’ve put together five practices for you to focus on that will […]
Markets have long played a vital role in connecting local producers to consumers while contributing directly to other goals. However, there are few market-operated, easy-to-use data collection protocols that markets can utilize to collect, measure, and analyze data. As Richard McCarthy put it, “In order to address these measures of balance, markets and their investors […]
