Farmers' Markets

Farmers' market standFor 30 years, we have been working to enhance direct marketing opportunities for farmers, to connect farmers and local consumers, and to maintain the viability of rural communities through farm-based economic development. 

Visit the following links or those on the right to learn more about NOFA Vermont's work with farmers' markets.

Provide Technical Support and Networking Opportunities to Vermont Farmers’ Markets:

Evaluate The Economic and Social Value of Farmers’ Markets in Vermont Through Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis:

 

 

 

Assist with On-Site Market Evaluation, Strategic Planning, and Market Grants:

 

 

Expand Direct Market Opportunities to Low-Income Consumers:

 

 

Promote Farmers’ Markets in Vermont:

 

 

 

Current funding for NOFA-VT’s Farmers’ Market Work:

Castanea Foundation

USDA Farmers’ Market Promotion Program

USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant

Wholesome Wave Foundation

Farmers' Market Resources

Market resources are arranged by category:

 

General Resources

This manual covers a broad range of topics relevant to starting and operating a farmers’ market in Vermont. It is available in print or as a free download.

Do you have questions that you wish you could ask other farmers’ market managers? Maybe you have a tip you would like to share with other markets. Join hundreds of market coordinators from around the country on this listserv to access a superb networking opportunity

Follow this blog for informal news and opinions about public markets from marketumbrella.org. You can either read the blog online or subscribe and have it sent to your email.

NOFA Vermont hosts a Direct Marketing Conference every January to provide a networking and educational opportunity focused on direct to consumer marketing.  The target audience of the conference includes producers who sell through CSA programs, farmers’ markets, and farm stands, and farmers’ market managers and board members. 

The Building Capacity project provides an integrated program of education and technical assistance to build leadership in Vermont’s nonprofits, community boards and committees, and local commissions.  All of these entities do so much of the work that sustains the quality of life for Vermonters.  Our efforts focus on an innovative virtual toolbox of leadership and capacity skills organized around learning modules delivered online.  We provide entry-level skills that can be completed alone or combined into larger, more in-depth programs.

 

Insurance and Governance Resources

Thank you to Jeff Cole of the Federation of Massachusetts Farmers Markets for preparing and sharing this presentation on creating a safer market environment. Understanding risk management and farmers’ market insurance is essential for all market managers, board members, and vendors. 

This document provides a brief overview of different types of insurance available to farmers’ markets and market vendors. It also has a short list of insurance companies that offer plans for farmers’ markets and vendors in Vermont.

Thanks to Jim LeFevre of LeFevre & Associates for sharing this powerpoint about building the right board for your market. You will find an overview of the stages of board development and ideas to consider when developing your board.

 

Evaluation and Planning Resources

Prepared by Monika Roth at Cornell Cooperative Extension, this form provides an easy tool for evaluating your market’s accessibility and appearance. This form is included on the Shared Wisdom DVD, which is available at the NOFA-VT bookstore.

Thanks to Rose Wilson of Rosalie J. Wilson Business Development Services for preparing this tool, which is designed to help track and plan markets’ financial progress.

RMA is a three part tool designed to give markets a snapshot look at various market characteristics including customer counts, accessibility/appearance of market, and customer preferences. This link contains examples of RMA reports and RMA questions in addition to overviews of how to conduct an RMA. 

Tracking your market’s cumulative gross sales provides essential information about the success of your market. This tool provides a simple, anonymous method for collecting vendor sales info.

 

Broadening the Market Community

This brochure outlines ways in which farmers' markets benefit communities, and ways that municipatilies can support and improve their local farmers' markets.

This report provides a look at a number of case studies from markets across the country that have used innovative community connections to strengthen the market.

This tool provides easy to use charts detailing different ways to engage more community stakeholders in your market’s success.

 

From the Project for Public Spaces, this guide explains how and why to set up and promote SNAP/EBT acceptance at farmers' markets.

 

 

Promotion, Marketing, and Special Events:

Thanks to Pam Knights of Pam Knights Communications for sharing this powerpoint about creating and communicating your market’s (or farm business’) brand. You will find an overview of marketing materials plus how to use web tools like Facebook and Google.

Thanks to Nicole Fenton of Flavor Communications for sharing this powerpoint about planning and measuring your marketing. You will find an overview of marketing strategies, tools such as social media, and ways to evaluate your marketing.

Effective signage is one of the MOST important tools to hosting a successful farmers’ market. This tool discusses signage best practices and provides examples of excellent farmers’ market signs from around the state.

 

Vendor Resources

Prepared by Monika Roth at Cornell Cooperative Extension, this DVD is available at the NOFA-VT bookstore, or some portions are available for download at the link above.

A free downloadable issue of the magazine Growing For Market which focuses on improving your market display and sales.

This 1 hour webinar features farmers' market consultant Sue Johnson and representatives from the VT Dept of Health, VT Agency of Agriculture.  It covers basic vending regulations and best practices.  

University of Vermont Extension has launched an on-line price reporting system for direct-marketed vegetables, berries and bedding plants. All commercial growers who sell at direct markets in Vermont are invited to participate.  Growers can enter prices by following this link.

This is a guide to price-setting at farmers' markets and beyond. It was developed by India Farmer at the Rutland Area Farm and Food Link with new farmers in mind, but offers great advice to any producer struggling with how to set prices.

From The Project for Public Spaces, this handbook is available as a PDF download for $15 or in hard copy for $32.25.
Regulations and Laws:
This guide provides an overview of Vermont laws and regulations that all vendors should be familiar with.
This guide directs prepared food vendors on safe food handling practices and applicable state laws and regulations.
This guide is relevant for agricultural vendors selling food by weight and has information about meat labelling.
In this webinar, Sue Johnson discusses why risk management is important at farmers' markets, common risky practices, and best practices for addressing these issues; Mike Mitchell of the Agency of Agriculture discusses agricultural regulations including weights and measures, labeling, and temperatures; and Elisabeth Wirsing of the Department of Health discusses food handling and regulations at farmers’ markets. Click here to watch a recording of the webinar.

NOFA-VT Pricing Study

NOFA price studyIs locally-grown and organic food really more expensive?

In the summer of 2010, a team of five interns collected price data at farmers' markets, co-ops, and grocery stores across Vermont to find out.

The results? If you're looking for organic, the farmers' market is the place to shop. Of the items compared, all organic products except potatoes were cheaper at the farmers' market. Results for conventional items were mixed, with some items cheaper at the farmers' market and some cheaper at grocery stores.

Click here to download the full report (PDF).

Organizing & Maintaining Your Farmers Market

A complete guide to farmers' market start-up and maintainance, Organizing and Maintaining Your Farmers' Market is an essential resource for market managers and organizers.

A print copy can be requested from the NOFA Vermont office, or you can download the manual, in whole or by section, below.

 

Download by section:

  • Cover and Table of Contents
  • Section one: Introduction, Forming a Farmers’ Market Organization, Creating a Legal Market Entity, Business Identification Numbers, & Insurance for Vermont Farmers’ Markets And Their Vendors
  • Section two: Finding a Site, Finding Financial Support for Your Market, Market Managers, & Vendor Recruitment, Vending Spaces and Fees
  • Section three: Promoting Farmers’ Markets, Programs Assisting Low-Income Customers, Vermont Farm To Family Program, Accepting Electronic Cards: EBT, Debit and Credit, & Special Events
  • Section four: Shop Fresh with the Chef, Including Children at Farmers’ Markets, Assessing Your Market’s Success, Vendor Taxes, State Regulations for Farmers Market Vendors, Tips for New Farmers’ Markets, & Links and Further Resources
  • Appendix I: Sample Documents
  • Appendix II: Market Rules that Work
  • Appendix III: State and Federal Regulations
  • Appendix IV: Risk Management and Liability Concerns
  • Appendix V: Tips for Successful Market Set-up and Displays
  • Appendix VI: Farmers' Market Assessment Tools
  • Appendix VII: State Tax Schedule Charts

Rapid Market Assesment

Rapid Market Assessment (RMA) is a simple tool that markets can use to take a snapshot of a given market day.  To be most effective, it is best to plan regular RMAs throughout the market season; however, even just conducting the assessment once will collect a lot of information about customer habits and perceptions, market successes and challenges, and areas of the market that can be improved. 

 

The full RMA consists of three components, which can be done together or individually:
 

1. Customer Counts:

All incoming customers are counted for 10 minutes every hour.  This number is then multiplied by 6 (to give an estimate of total customers in an hour) and then by the number of hours of the market (to give an estimate of total customers over the course of the market)

2. Dot Survey:

The Dot Survey is a tactile, interactive way of collecting information about perceptions, preferences, and habits from market customers.  Four survey questions are displayed on large easel paper, and customers are given dot stickers to place on their answers to the questions.  Unlike many surveys, Dot Surveys tend to be very popular, with customers asking, “Can I do the dots?”

3. Market Evaluation:

One of the best parts of the RMA is partnering with another market.  Partner markets can help count customers and make general market observations from and educated but neutral point of view.  Typically, partner markets will exchange 3-5 market representatives (including managers, board members, and vendors) who take time to walk through the market and make observations about customer activity, market infrastructure and flow, vendor booths, management techniques, etc. 

 

Finally, the information from the Customer Counts, Dot Surveys, and Market Evaluations are compiled into a report that can be shared with the manager, board, and market membership.  The report provides critical information about the current status of the market and opportunities for improving market feel, vendor sales, and customer engagements.

 

 

General Rapid Market Assessment Documents:

These documents provide an overview and best practices for conducting RMA. 

 

How to Gather Market Information 

by Zachary Lyons for Growing for Market (Feb 2007)

 

A Learning Approach to Strengthening Farmers’ Markets

by Larry Lev and Gary Stephenson for Oregon Small Farms Report (Aug 2002)

 

Tools for Rapid Market Assessments

By Larry Lev, Linda Brewer, and Gary Stephenson for Oregon Small Farms Report (Dec 2004)

Includes best practices and sample Dot Survey questions

 

NOFA-VT has other tools and resources (including tally counters) that are available to your market.  For more information about these resources, contact the farmers’ market program at info@nofavt.org or 802-434-4122.

The Vermont Farmers’ Market Association

VFMA logoFor more information about the Vermont Farmers’ Market Association, visit www.vtfma.org.

The purpose of the VFMA is to encourage and establish successful farmers' markets in Vermont that enhance direct marketing opportunities for market vendors while building direct connections between vendors and local consumers.

To fulfill this purpose, the VFMA will collaborate with other organizations to:

 

  • Facilitate communication, information sharing and networking among farmers' markets
  • Coordinate projects and provide services of value to all farmers' markets in the state
  • Collect data and conduct research on the status, needs, and benefits of farmers' markets, including the level of outreach to communities to identify how farmers' markets support businesses
  • Promote farmers' markets throughout the state
  • Provide training and technical assistance for market vendors, managers and boards
  • Create a voice for farmers' markets in the state
  • Work to increase access to farmers' markets for low-income customers
  • Develop strategic partnerships with public and private organizations to support farmers' markets
  • Pursue other objectives as determined by the membership
  • Raise funds as necessary to support the VFMA's activities and programs.

 

 

VFMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS (2010)

Board Chair: Jon Cohen, Bellows Falls Farmers’ Market

Vice Chair: Chris Wagner, Burlington Farmers’ Market

 

Members at Large:

Barbara Conn, Stowe Farmers’ Market,

Scott Greene, Middlebury Farmers’ Market

Alan Lepage, Barre Farmers’ Market

Sherry Maher, Post Oil Solutions Farmers’ Markets

Curtis Sjolander, St. Johnsbury Farmers’ Market

Steven Trubitt, Walloomsac Farmers’ Market

Suzanne Long, Norwich Farmers’ Market

Bushrod Powers, Royalton Farmers’ Market

Kevin Thompson, Capital City Farmers’ Market

Jane Tucker, Morrisville Farmers’ Market

Farmers' Market Funding Opportunities

Funding Opportunities

Vermont Farmers' Market Capital Improvement Grant

Introduction:  The Vermont Farmers’ Market Capital Improvement Grant (VFMCIP) program was created to fund a minimum of five awards to farmers’ markets in Vermont, to support capital improvements and projects that build community collaborations with farmers’ markets.  The VFMCIP is made available through the collaborative efforts of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT), Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM), and Vermont Farmers’ Market Association (VFMA).  The grant is funded by a legislative appropriation as part of the 2010 Capital Bill.  There is $24,746 available for capital grants and there is no restriction on the amount of the request.

Eligible Applicants:

  • Farmers’ Markets must meet the Vermont state definition of farmers’ markets: "farmers' market" shall mean an event or series of events at which two or more vendors of agricultural products, as defined in 11 V.S.A. § 991, gather for purposes of offering for sale to the public their agricultural products”
  • Farmers’ Markets must have submitted a 2010 Vermont Farmers’ Market Survey to NOFA-VT.  The survey is available by calling 802-434-4122 or online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/GBY6XWD 

Funding Priorities:  The VFMCIP will fund capital improvement and infrastructure projects at farmers’ markets that are not otherwise supported by operating revenues and that build community support of the market.  Examples of eligible activities include construction, electricity, plantings, restroom facilities, and permanent signage.

Grant Reporting:

A written report evaluating how the grant funds impacted the market over the 2011 season are due December 15, 2011.  Reports should include:

  • A breakdown of how funds were used and an explanation of any unused funds.
  • A written description of how grant activities impacted your market during the 2011 season and expected future impacts. 
  • Photos of how grant funds were used at your market (this is required)
  • Documentation of any community support leveraged by this grant (e.g. matching funds, in-kind donations, volunteers, etc.).
  • All unused funds must be submitted with the final report by 12/15/11.

Questions?

Contact Erin Buckwalter
By email: erin@nofavt.org
By phone: 802-434-4122

Farmers' Market Mini Grant Grant Description

Resources for Grant Recipients:

 

The 2011 Vermont Farmers' Market Mini-Grants have been awarded to support successful expansion projects at existing markets or to help communities create new farmers' markets.

Participating markets are expected to conduct a strategic planning process to identify short and long term goals for market development. Eligible projects include but are not limited to: developing promotional materials, building physical infrastructure to enhance the marketplace, strengthening the market governing body, conducting economic impact assessments, and developing accessibility to the market for underserved customer bases.

The grants were also available to towns and communities who are interested in starting a new market. In the case of new markets, mini-grants can be used for projects including but not limited to: hiring a market manager, developing a market logo, and space rentals.

Grant Reporting

Grant reports and invoices are due on December 15th.  Grant reports should include:  

  • A breakdown of how funds were used and an explanation of any unused funds.
  • A written description of how grant activities impacted your market during the 2011 season and expected future impacts. 
  • Photos of how grant funds were used at your market (e.g. new signage, manager’s tent, etc.).
In addition, markets much submit the 2011 Farmers' Market Survey by January 31, 2012.

Questions

If you need any assistance with your grant application, please contact:

Erin Buckwalter
Direct Marketing Coordinator, NOFA-VT
802-434-4122
erin@nofavt.org

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) & Debit Cards

There are currently over 40 Vermont Farmers' Markets accepting EBT/Debit Cards!

To view the full list of markets, please visit http://www.vermontfoodhelp.com/info/farmers_markets.php

Resources for EBT and Debit Cards at Markets: 

Vendor and Market Training Materials:

Budget Tracking Materials:

Promotional Materials:

Operations:
  • Most VT markets get wooden tokens from Maple Landmark in Middlebury.  If you participate in the Vermont Farmers' Market EBT and Debit Cards Grant, they have your artwork on file.
  • Most VT markets use Efunds/FIS to process their wireless transactions.  If you have a question about your machine's functionality, call: 1800-558-6980 x3422.

Outreach Materials:

Resource Guides:

Grant Opportunities:

SNAP/EBT at your
farmers market:
seven steps to success
  • Grant Opportunity: Vermont Farmers’ Market EBT and Debit Cards Project – The purpose of this grant is to enable farmers markets to accept bank and EBT (electronic benefits transfer) debit cards, thereby making local products more accessible to low income Vermonters, encouraging consumers to "buy local," allowing local producers to capture some of the $115 million in federal program benefits Vermonters are spending annually on food, and increasing overall farmers market sales. Applications for this grant program are due February 17, 2012. Click here for the grant information and application.


Project Background

EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) Cards are debit cards bearing the value of food or cash in federal program benefits. They have taken the place of paper food stamps, generating a necessity for businesses to have a greater technological capacity to accept food stamps, i.e. the need for a cardservice machine.

Informal points of sale such as the direct markets of farmstands and farmers’ markets are conveniently accessible, provide nutritious foods and support local economies. However, the majority of these locations are not outfitted with cardservice machines whether for EBT, Debit or Credit cards. The use of EBT cards benefits both the consumer and the supplier; those with lower incomes are able to purchase from local markets and the customer base at the markets expands. With a cardservice machine a farmers’ market would also have the opportunity to accept debit cards, further increasing the overall sales as customers can spend a greater amount than their cash on hand.

States throughout the nation have implemented programs for introducing the use of EBT and Debit cards within farmers’ markets. The Vermont Farmers' Market EBT and Debit Cards Project is a collaborative effort of Hunger Free Vermont, Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, and Vermont Department for Children and Families that has helped farmers' markets develop EBT and debit card service since 2007.

Opportunities for Vermont

Vermont receives over $11 million per month in food benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP - formerly known as the Food Stamp Program).  In Vermont, the SNAP program is called 3SquaresVT. The Vermont Farmers' Market EBT and Debit Cards Project helps recipients of the federal Food Stamp Program a support the state’s agricultural community and to obtain the highest quality of foods.

Increasing 3SquaresVT purchases at farmers’ markets allows small farmers to capture more of these federal resources. 3SquaresVT recipients also benefit, not only because they can purchase locally grown foods, but also because benefits can be used to purchase vegetable starts, honey, meats, dairy or maple products, and prepared foods such as cider or pickles.

Each Vermont farmers’ market equipped with a cardservice machine that accepts EBT, Debit and/or Credit has the ability of many benefits. This increases the opportunity in providing fresh produce and local products to low-income Vermonters and the opportunity for each market to improve overall sales, increasing the success of the market and the weekly incomes of the vendors. Overall, the expected result of EBT and Debit used at Vermont’s farmers’ markets is a growth of local economy and an option for low-income individuals and families to shop with their neighboring farmers rather than national retail chains.

What Markets Participate?

For a complete list of participating farmers' markets, farmstands, CSA programs, and other retail stores, please visit vermontfoodhelp.com.

Project Partners

This project is made possible with the help and cooperation of our project partners, listed below.

Ames Robb- EBT Director, Vermont Department for Children and Families Ames.robb@ahs.state.vt.us, (802) 241-2899

Mary Carlson- Food and Nutrition Program Coordinator, Vermont Department for Children and Families Mary.carlson@ahs.state.vt.us, (802) 241-258

Angela Smith-Dieng - 3SquaresVT Advocacy Manager, Hunger Free VT
Asmith-dieng@hungerfreevt.org, (802) 865-0255

Abbey Willard- Local Foods Administrator, Vermont Agency of Agriculture Abbey.Willard@state.vt.us, (802) 272-2885

Youth Farmers' Market

Youth Market Are you looking for a handmade card, painted rock, homemade cookie, or sweet pepper raised by small hands? You are in luck! This summer, NOFA Vermont will collaborate with Vermont Farmers’ Markets to sponsor youth markets throughout Vermont.

On designated farmers’ market days, children and youth sell a variety of homegrown vegetables, fruits, syrups, and homemade goods. 

In addition, at some of the markets, NOFA Vermont Farm to Community Mentors will provide activities and taste tests for children, youth, and their families.

Please contact the NOFA Vermont office to get involved at 434-4122 or info@nofavt.org.

National Farmers' Market Week

Celebrate National Farmers' Market Week!

August 7th – August 13th 2011 is the 12th annual National Farmers’ Market Week. During National Farmers’ Market Week, we invite you to join us in celebrating the healthy food, economic value, and community importance of Vermont’s markets.

NOFA Vermont will celebrate once again with the Pizza to the People Tour by traveling to seven different markets throughout National Farmers Market week, offering delicious, locally sourced pizzas to market customers. 

NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS: We will be visiting the Randolph Farmers' Market on Saturday August 13th!

There has been a schedule change for the upcoming Londonderry Market.  We will now be visiting August 20th!

UPDATED TOUR SCHEDULE!

August 5: Westford

August 6: Grand Isle

August 9: Johnson

August 11: Greensboro

August 13: Randolph

August 14: Windsor

August 20: Londonderry

Events around Vermont

Is your market hosting an event for National Farmers' Market Week? Tell us: jean@nofavt.org.

The Peacham Farmers' Market will be celebrating National Farmers Market Week on Thursday, August 11, from 3 to 6 PM with opportunities to "turn the handle to churn your own ice cream" and sample the result of your efforts for FREE during the weekly market day.

The New North End Farmers' Market will have live music from Scott Forest and also will be launching their own market coupons in celebration of National Farmers Market Week on Thursday, August 11 from 3 to 6:30 PM.

Click HERE for a complete listing of Vermont's Farmers' Markets.

Farmers' Market Data and Research


Here you can view our annual Farmer's market report and conclusions, as well as special projects related to farmers' markets, including the results of the 2010 Vermonters poll and a pricing study that NOFA Vermont is conducting.

The 2011 Annual Farmers' Market Survey is available here.  Markets, please complete by January 31, 2012.

Farmers' Market Annual Reports

NOFA Vermont administers an annual survey collecting information from farmers' markets across Vermont. 

Current Report

Report Summaries 2000-2009

 

 Year  Number of Markets
2010           87
 2009            73
 2008            64

 2007

            60
 2006            56
 2005            55
 2004            51
 2003            46
 2002            45
 2001            44
 2000            37
 1996            27
 1995            27
 1994            24
 1986

           19

Income from markets

In 2010, 49 of the 65 reporting markets collected gross receipt data of their vendors. The totals reported were divided into 3 major categories: agricultural sales, food sales, and crafts. The total reported gross sales amount is $7,993,334 (up from $6,917,041 reported in 2009 from 45 markets). Agricultural products account for $4,974,775 reported (up from $4,360,648 in 2009, a 12% increase); Processed foods $2,062,120.25 (up from $1,719,422 in 2009); and Crafts and other services $779,868.28 (down from $887,117 in 2009). Some of the reporting markets did not break down their total sales into any categories, which accounts for the discrepancy of these subtotals not equaling the total amount reported. 28% (13) of reporting markets reported agricultural sales of less than 50% of their total (the lowest being 22%). 72% (34) of reporting markets had 50% or more in agricultural sales, and of those markets, 16 had sales over 60% (the highest being 83%). Six markets had craft (and other services) amounts over 20%. Processed food sales average 30% of gross receipts at the six markets that reported that income. Of the markets that reported, 23% of them said their sales decreased, 73% said their sales increased, and 4% said they remained the same compared to the previous year.

 

Most markets determined their gross sales using an anonymous reporting form for each vendor. The form has the date and an area to write in a dollar amount for agricultural products, prepared food, and craft sales sold during the market. The form is either returned at the end of the market or at the following market.

 

Farmers’ Market Research Projects and Special Reports

2010 Vermonter Poll:

661 Vermonters responded to the Vermonter Poll, a phone survey conducted annually by Center for Rural Studies at University of Vermont. The following three questions pertaining to Vermont farmers’ markets were part of the poll:

1) In 2009, how many times did you visit a farmers’ market? (The average number was 15)

2) Were there any products that you couldn’t find when you visited these farmers markets? If so, what were these products? (75% of respondents said "no")

3) When you see a food product labeled as “local,” do you assume that it’s organic? (84% said "no")

To view the methods and full results, click here.

 

2010 Vermont Farmers’ Market Price Comparison Study:

During the summer months of 2010, NOFA-VT is conducting a price comparison study at 12 participating farmers’ markets in Vermont.  The study will last 2-3 months and compare farmers’ market prices of 12 items (mostly produce) with prices at surrounding grocery stores. Prices will be gathered 3 times a month. For the full report, click here.

The History of Farmers' Markets in Vermont

Farmers' markets started being organized in Vermont in the 1970s. They began in the larger cities and towns, and by 1986 had spread throughout the state. When NOFA-VT first formally surveyed farmers' markets in 1986, 19 were active. Their numbers have been rising steadily since, and the 2008 survey reported a total of 64 markets.

The seeds of the Vermont Federation of Farmers' Markets (VFFM) started in 1980 when a group of marketers met in Randolph to share ideas and technical support. The VFFM was incorporated in 1982 to"promote the marketing of Vermont products and to promote farmers' markets." The VFFM provided information and assistance to markets and individual vendors on the "nuts and bolts of organizing and running markets." In addition, market liability insurance was provided through the organization. Jay and Janet Bailey of Brattleboro provided important leadership of the VFFM until 1995 when Joe Newell was elected as President. The Vermont Federation of Farmers' Markets disbanded in 1998 due to a lack of coordinated leadership. 

In 2000, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food and Market (VAAFM) and NOFA-VT partnered to administer mini-grants. Funded by the VAAFM, these grants were awarded by NOFA-VT from 2001-2004. As part of the evaluation of the mini-grant program, we asked the farmers what role NOFA-VT could play to support the development of farmers' markets in Vermont. A majority of those responding asked for NOFA-VT to reinstitute a network of farmers' markets in Vermont, and to reexamine the role of a Vermont Farmers' Market Association. With that call, we started holding networking meetings of farmers who direct market (farmers' markets, farm stands and Community Supported Agriculture) in 2003.

In the winter of 2004-2005 NOFA-VT held regional meetings in Norwich, Hardwick, Manchester and Bristol for market managers and board officers to ask, "What steps need to be taken to elevate farmers' markets in Vermont, and what role could an Association take to get us there?" Based on the input from those regional meetings, a 2005 Farmers' Market Work Plan was drafted and presented at a statewide Vermont Farmers' Market Forum in the end of January, 2005. This work plan is still being used to direct NOFA-VT's work to support farmers' markets in Vermont.

In 2006, NOFA-VT contracted with the Cooperative Development Institute (CDI) to meet with representatives from farmers' markets (managers, vendors, board members) and market supporters (non-profits, state agency representatives, researchers, educators) to design an organizational framework for a Vermont Farmers' Market Association (VFMA) and draft by-laws. In 2007, the markets in Vermont were asked to formally vote to create an Association, the first meeting of which was held in January 2008. At this meeting, the VFMA voted in a 13 member Board of Directors and ratified the organization's purpose. In February the Board of Directors held their first meeting, which established project priorities, committees and board officers. The VFMA Board of Directors elected to continue to operate under the umbrella of NOFA-VT, with NOFA-VT providing fiscal sponsorship, until the VFMA becomes an autonomous organization.