Start a Farmers’ Market

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How to take action

• Get the goods on local markets. The BC Association of Farmers' Markets provides a handy resource to find out if (and when) there is farmers’ market in your community. However, not all farmers’ markets are part of their association.
• Find a location. How much space you need will depend on the size of your community. For summer, outdoor markets, a parking lot that isn't used on weekends, or a field, make convenient (and often inexpensive) places to hold a market.
• Register as a non-profit society. You can get the application online or at a Service BC Centre. It isn't a difficult process, but you will need to have some pieces in place, such as a temporary group to serve as officers, and a bank account.
• Gather a group. There are many little details to take care of in the organizing stage, such as: attracting vendors, setting rules and fees, advertising, taking care of permits and other legalities, banking.
• Get organized. Determine how to handle business licenses (either by having one for the market as a whole, or having vendors each have their own), and insurance. Note that if you decide to join the B.C. Association of Farmers' Markets, you will qualify for their group insurance rate.
• Call out for vendors. Advertise where there are food growers and makers, such as at supply stores, in online forums, and in the newspaper.
• Pick a date, and get advertising for customers.
• Don't forget that in many parts of B.C., winter markets are also a popular option. Usually you will need to include more food makers, and some craftspeople, to increase diversity.

Why it makes a difference

• A local market will encourage people to buy local food, greatly decreasing the carbon footprint of their food purchases.
• Farmers' markets create a local economy, and offer farmers another way to make a living from the valuable work they do.
• Communities need places to gather and ways to interact. Open-air markets during the summer and community halls bustling on winter weekends make wonderful socializing opportunities.
• Farmers' markets connect people with their local foods, growers, growing seasons. It's an important education for young and old.
• A well-run farmers' market can feel like a mini festival or celebration, and what community doesn’t need more ways to have fun together?

For more information

• The B.C. Association of Farmers' Markets has a set of steps for starting your own market.
• Find out how and why to make your market a member of the B.C. Association of Farmers' Markets.