Project Overview
Commodities
Practices
- Education and Training: networking, technical assistance, workshop
- Farm Business Management: farmers' markets/farm stands, marketing management
Proposal abstract:
The proposed sustainable agriculture education grant aims to foster the growth and success of farmers markets in North Carolina, recognizing their vital role as market channels for local farmers. Over a two-year period, this project seeks to organize a flagship statewide farmers market manager conference and regional networking gatherings, with the overarching goal of equipping market managers with the knowledge and skills needed to develop and sustain thriving farmers markets. By providing these educational opportunities, the project aims to enhance the capacity of farmers market managers to effectively manage their markets, create thriving market places for vendors, enhance customer experiences, and implement practices that promote sustainability and inclusiveness.
The statewide farmers market manager conference will serve as a flagship event, bringing together market managers from across North Carolina to exchange ideas, best practices, and practical knowledge. Experts and practitioners in sustainable agriculture and farmers market management will deliver talks, present case studies, and facilitate interactive workshops. Conference participants will gain insights into emerging trends in the field, explore innovative marketing strategies, and learn about sustainable agricultural practices that can be integrated into and promoted at farmers markets. The conference will also provide a platform for networking, fostering collaboration among market managers, and facilitating the sharing of experiences and challenges.
In addition to the statewide conference, the grant proposal includes a series of regional networking gatherings held throughout the state. These gatherings will offer an opportunity for market managers within specific geographic areas to come together, exchange ideas, and build supportive relationships. Led by established regional representatives on the NCFMN board, the regional gatherings will feature targeted workshops and discussions tailored to address the unique needs and challenges faced by market managers operating in different regions of North Carolina. Topics covered may include effective community outreach, managing diverse vendor populations, navigating regulatory frameworks, and implementing sustainable practices such as waste reduction.
By investing in the professional development of farmers market managers, this grant proposal aims to create a ripple effect that positively impacts the entire local food system in North Carolina. Equipped with enhanced skills and knowledge, market managers will be better equipped to support local farmers, improve market viability, and create more inclusive and sustainable market environments. The educational initiatives proposed in this grant will not only empower market managers, but also contribute to the overall resilience and economic vitality of farming communities throughout the state.
This proposal seeks to strengthen farmers markets in North Carolina by providing a statewide farmers market manager conference and regional networking gatherings to expand on virtual trainings that have been offered since March 2020. These activities will enable market managers to gain valuable knowledge, share experiences, and build networks, ultimately enhancing the capacity of farmers markets to serve as critical market channels for local farmers. Through these educational opportunities, the project aims to promote sustainability, innovation, and resilience within the local food system, fostering a thriving agricultural economy and healthier communities in North Carolina.
Project objectives from proposal:
- Conduct a statewide farmers market conference for farmers market managers to address current networking and professional development needs.
- Hold five regional mini-conferences to provide place-based connections and training.
- Develop an online resource library for market managers.
- Continue efforts to gather data on impacts of farmers markets and training needs of market managers across the state.