Minnesota Farmers' Market Manual

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In 2006, the MFMA played a major role in the establishment of a statewide Minnesota Farmers’ Market Manual. It is a guide for both vendors and managers. It is an excellent resource for anyone thinking of starting or joining a market, those already involved in markets, and communities who support markets. The manual is over 300 pages and is divided into three sections:

Beginning and Building Your Farmers’ Market in Minnesota:
Provides step-by-step guidance in setting up and operating a farmers’ market. These sections contain a great deal of information that is helpful for starting a new market as well as for strengthing an existing market. Developing a farmers’ market governance structure, recruiting top-quality vendors, and promoting the farmers’ market are examples of what is covered in this section.

Becoming a Successful Vendor in a Farmers’ Market:
A useful resource for both new and established vendors. Legal issues, promotional ideas, a pricing discussion, and the importance of customer service are just a few topics that are addressed.

Additional Resources for Farmers’ Markets and Farmers’ Market Vendors:
Contains supplemental information for both market management and vendors, such as a listing of Minnesota Farmer’s Markets and a description of programs unique to Minnesota.

View the Manual’s Table of Contents

The Farmers' Market Manual for Minnesota:  A Guide for Management and Vendors was developed by the University of Minnesota Extension Service and published in 2006 with funding from the USDA Risk Management Agency through a partnership agreement with the Minnesota Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association.  In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, these institutions are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of color, national origin, sex, age or disability.