Farmers Markets
Farmer’s markets are in full swing across the state and there are more today than ever. In fact there are 600 percent more farmers markets now than there were five years ago. But there’s more than just buying and selling going on at the markets.
At the farmer’s market, you shake the hands that have sown, raised, cared for, and harvested your food. There, you greet old friends and make new ones. They are the best places to connect with the core of the sustainable agriculture community.
Starting a New Farmers Market
Anyone can start a farmers market—city governments, farmers, community groups, business associations, individuals. But establishing a successful market involves meeting certain requirements and conditions. Below you’ll find presentations and documents used by established and viable farmers markets.
Here’s a comprehensive resource for starting a new farmers market from scratch, care of the UC Small Farm Center.
Brenan Washington, who helped start farmers markets in Auburn, Lawrenceville, and Norcross, shared this presentation withtips on recruiting vendors, growing consumer demand, and setting clear and attainable goals.
East Atlanta Village Farmers Market shares this document that includes a vendor application, fees, and market policies.
And the EAV Farmers Market is sharing its financial data, going back to 2007;expenses, income, marketing – it’s all here.
EAV founders are also providing this initial proposal of the farmers market that was used to solicit business associations and private sponsors to pitch in close to $3,500 for start-up and operational costs.
The Peachtree Road Farmers Market is sharing a standard and necessary agreement between the Market and the Vendor, [Peachtree2009MarketAgreementForm.pdf], its market principles (which serve as great guidelines showcasing the market’s personal vision and mission), and an application & qualification document for vendors.
The East Lake Farmers Market is allowing us to publish its bylaws - very important stuff for a fledgling market.
The Campbell Risk Management Center has an insurance program designed for farmers marketing products off the farm. The Farmers Market Vendor Liability Insurance policy covers all products sold at farmers markets, and from speaking with them, they can write a policy for not much more money that would cover products sold to any outlet.
Agriculture and Food Regulations
Foods that are packaged fall under the inspection of the Department of Agriculture. Prepared foods that are served fresh are regulated by the Georgia Department of Community Health and falls to the county health departments. Click here to be directed to a page on our site with more information on the regulations for value-added and prepared foods. Sharon Kane is the Public Service Associate and Food Business Development Specialist for the Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development at UGA, and is great resource for questions in this area. Her number and e-mail are 706-542-9809 and spkane@uga.edu.
You can also find other rules and regulations related to agriculture in Georgia in the Crop and Livestock sections to the left.
Food Stamps and the EBT Program at Farmers Markets
Accessing local food at markets has also expanded. Wholesome Wave Georgia enables WIC beneficiaries get $2 worth of local food for each dollar they spend at these farmer’s markets.
These markets currently accept SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program), aka EBT, formerly known as food stamps.
Are you interested in accepting SNAP at your farmers’ market? Here’s some basic information on how to get started and how the process will work. Click here to link directly to the USDA-Food and Nutrition Service website where you can apply online.
Wholesome Wave Georgia is a fantastic resource for farmers markets, farmers, and low-income consumers.