Deborah Solie, project associate, [email protected] or 402.870.1133; or [email protected]
LYONS, NEBRASKA – With spring comes thoughts of planting, followed by a summer of farmers markets.
In addition to selling fruits, vegetables, meat, and other farm products, farmers markets often include prepared food, arts and crafts, cut flowers, baked goods, and handcrafted items. They also provide a gathering place for the community.
For those looking to start a market or considering vending, a new resource is available: the Nebraska Rural Farmers Market Handbook in both English and Spanish.
“This handbook brings together ideas, inspiration, and insight from farmers markets across Nebraska,” said Deborah Solie, project associate with the Center for Rural Affairs. “It is the culmination of research, hands-on experience, and interviews with market managers, vendors, and professionals.”
Included in the toolkit are resources such as market manager best practices, how to plan a farmers market, how to prepare for the market season, and improving and measuring market performance. Also of note are handouts for vendors on marketing, booth set-up, licensing, and more.
“Markets began as a way to do business, but have evolved into a way to connect people with their communities, food producers, and the land that surrounds them,” Solie said.
The toolkit can be found at cfra.org/ne-farmers-market-handbook.
Partners on this project include the Center for Rural Affairs, Buy Fresh Buy Local Nebraska, Nebraska Extension, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Northeast Iowa RC&D.
