Farmers' markets are a great way for small-scale producers to reach out directly to consumers, and develop marketing skills, new products and new markets. They work as 'business incubators' and help the farmer to test the product, network with other growers, and establish a wider customer base.

Farmers' Markets Links

• A Guide to Starting, Operating and Selling in Farmers' Markets (PDF: 70 KB / 10 pages) - Kansas State University
• Direct Marketing - ATTRA
• Direct Marketing of Farm Produce and Home Goods (PDF: 365 KB / 28 pages) - University of Wisconsin
• Direct Marketing - Meats - Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Canada 
• Direct Marketing Today:  Challenges and Opportunities - AMS, USDA
• Establishing and Operating a Community Farmers' Market (PDF: 155 KB / 8 pages) - University of Kentucky
• Farmer Marketing Resources - AMS, USDA
• Farmers Markets (list by state) - USDA ARS
• Farmers' Market Fact Sheet - USDA-ARS
• Farmers Market Promotion Program - AMS, USDA
• Farmer's Market Resources (PDF: 1.02 MB / 53 pages) - AMS, USDA
• Farmers Markets Resources Guide - AMS, USDA
• Guides for Development of A Farmers' Market - University of Nebraska
• Innovative Ag Marketing - University of Arizona
• Metro County Farmers Markets - Land Stewardship Project
• Minnesota Farmers' Market Manual - Minnesota Farmers' Market Association
• Minnesota Grown Program - Minnesota Department of Agriculture
• Operational Guidelines for Vendors at the Farmers' Market (PDF: 395 KB / 4 pages) - Minnesota Department of Agriculture
• Pickle Bill Fact Sheet - Minnesota Department of Agriculture
• Reap New Profits: Marketing Strategies for Farmers and Ranchers - Sustainable Agriculture Network
• Thinking about Starting a Farmers' Market? - Maine Federation of Farmers' Markets
• What do I Need for Setting Up at Farmers' Market? - Maine Federation of Farmers' Markets
• Understanding Farmers' Market Rules (PDF: 993 KB / 8 pages) - Farmers Legal Action Group
• USDA Farmer Direct Marketing Web Site
• U.S. Farmers Markets--2000:  A Study of Emerging Trends - AMS, USDA

Farmers' Markets Associations

• Minnesota Farmers Markets Association
• Minnesota Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association
• North American Farmers Direct Marketing Association

MDA Contact

Meg Moynihan
Minnesota Farm Opportunities
651-201-6616
Ag Marketing & Development Division