Battlefield Farmers' Market - Growing New Opportunities

Battlefield Farmers' Market - Growing New Opportunities

Summary

The market got off to a slow start in 2005 due to late frosts in the area. This resulted in delaying the opening until mid June. Eight vendors were present for opening weekend but the numbers grew to 22 by the last weekend.

As the result of a very effective marketing campaign, the market initially had more buyers than suppliers. A decision was made to allow the market manager to concentrate on outreach to new vendors in order to meet the demand for agricultural products.

Several workshops have been held to encourage greater participation from growers in the area. Numerous new vendors have indicated that they plan to sell at the market this year instead of traveling greater distances to sell at other markets.

The Walker County Young Farmers have been very successful in implementing The Battlefield Farmers’ Market – Growing New Opportunities project. To date, all goals, objectives, and performance targets have been met. Through implementation of the grant, the Board has made the necessary changes to meet the demands from consumers and producers.

The Market has been and will continue to be an asset to the local and surrounding communities. It provides additional income for growers and providing high quality food products for its citizens.

Objectives/Performance Targets

Since the last progress report, the main goal has been to implement all phases of the grant and to make the market a success. An important long-term objective for the Board is to make sound decisions that will create a sustainable Market beyond the grant cycle and for years to come.

A Board of Directors has been established with By-laws to govern their actions, a part-time market manager has been hired, a very successful marketing campaign has been established, and an Outreach program for consumers and growers is ongoing and providing important feedback to the Board.

Accomplishments/Milestones

Great progress has been made in developing a successful farmers market. Some accomplishments include: the establishment of a governing Board; by-laws developed for the market; incorporation of the market; development of a marketing campaign that includes signage, newspaper and television coverage, postcards, message board identifying next weeks (or upcoming) products, and website; hiring of a market manager, outreach to consumers and growers; feedback through community meetings; and a grand total of 22 vendors selling products during the last weekend of the market in 2005.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

The establishment of the farmers market has provided a good source of income for small and limited resource growers in the area. At public meetings, all vendors that sold products at the market in 2005 have indicated that they will return in 2006. Additionally, many new vendors are interested in utilizing the Battlefield Market because of the location, facility, track record for 2005, variety of products offered, and number of possible consumers.

The community has been overwhelming in supporting the market. Vendors have had a difficult time meeting the demand for fresh produce by consumers. The Board is working hard to attract new producers to fill the needs of the community.

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