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Farmers Markets | Community Supported Agriculture | General
Duncan Hilchey, Tom Lyson, Gil Gillespie, Farming Alternatives Program, Cornell University, 1995
A landmark study reports on how farmers' markets contribute to local economic development. $4.25. Available from the Community Food and Agriculture Program. Click here for an order form in PDF format.
Courtney Haase, Nunsuch
Introducing you to the adventure of selling your dairy products directly at farmers' markets. This grassroots, farmer-to-farmer booklet is for the novice seller. It contains information on various aspects of direct selling. Legal, presentation, and food safety issues are discussed and many innovative suggestions are recommended. Funding for this publication provided by U.S. Department of Agriculture Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (Farmer/Grower Grant Program).
76 pages. $8. To order, visit the web site or contact Courtney Haase at (603) 927-4176 or nunsuch@conknet.com.
Amy Kremen, Catherine Greene, Jim Hanson, Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, April 2004
The popularity of farmers' markets in the United States has grown concurrently with organic production and consumer interest in locally and organically produced foods. This research describes the significance of farmers' markets as market outlets for many organic farmers, and recent shifts in relationships between organic growers, market managers, and customers. Market managers in more than 20 states answered questions by phone pertaining to the 2002 market season. Their responses provide insight into recent grower, manager, and customer decision-making and attitudes about foods advertised and sold as organic at farmers' markets. Publication is in PDF format.
Vance Corum, Marcie Rozenzweig, Eric Gibson
Describes the best products to grow and sell at markets; combining farmers markets with other outlets; record-keeping; displaying and merchandising; and starting, managing, and promoting markets, including special events.
$24.95 plus $4.50 shipping.
To order, send payment to:
QP Distribution
22260 C St.
Winfield, KS 67156
To order by credit card, call 1-888-281-5170.
Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Provides detailed farmers market information, including market management structure, total number of vendors, and average customer spending. Publication is in PDF format.
R. Govindasamy, M. Zurbriggen, J. Italia, A. Adelaja, P. Nitzsche, R. Van Vranken, Rutgers University, June 1998
This report includes demographics, consumption trends of fresh fruits and vegetables, preferences for organic produce, and amount spent per visit. Publication is in PDF format.
To obtain a print copy, contact:
Ramu Govindasamy
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
55 Dudley Rd.
New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8520
Phone: (732) 932-9171, ext. 25
Desmond Jolly, University of California Small Farm Center, 2002
Generally, the economic performance of small family farms has been nothing to cheer about. And the recently passed Farm Bill 2002 has done little to encourage the notion that prospects will improve noticeably over the next decade. However, a number of innovations in production and farm management, and particularly in marketing, have created some of the brighter prospects in a generally hazy picture. Direct marketing, in general, and farmers markets in particular, have enabled the survival and growth of many smaller scale farm operations. Publication is in PDF format.
For a free print copy, contact:
Small Farm Center
University of California
1 Shields Ave.
Davis, CA 95616
Phone: (530) 752-8136
E-mail: sfcenter@ucdavis.edu
Neil Hamilton, Drake University, 2002
The study examines the structure and operation of farmers' markets in the U.S., with special attention to the legal and regulatory issues that may shape their operation. The goal of the article is to provide a resource that will be valuable for farmers considering a farmers' market, to vendors now selling at farmers' markets, to the organizers and managers who run markets, and to those thinking about creating new markets. Publication is in PDF format.
Publication on the growing "green" sector in U.S. food and agriculture.
96 pages. $20. Order from:
World Resources Institute
Phone: (202) 729-7600
E-mail: valeriev@wri.org
The Council on the Environment of New York City
Network of farmers markets throughout New York City.
Phone: (212) 477-3220
E-mail: greenmarket@rcn.com
Membership organization offers information and support services for community farmers markets. Site provides a statewide directory of farmers markets.
E-mail: info@nyfarmersmarket.com
Farmers' Market Federation of New York, Cornell Cooperative Extension, New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets
Includes information on building community interest, assessing the need for a market, market organization, and preparing for the first season.
$10 plus S&H. Order from:
Farmers' Market Federation of NY
2100 Park St.
Syracuse, NY 13208
Contact Diane Eggert at the Federation office at (315) 475-1101 for more information.
The Farmers' Market Federation of New York has developed a publication on developing a community farmers' market. The publication takes the process step by step through feasibility studies and developing all aspects of the market. It also includes sample surveys, rules and regulations, and farmer application.
For more information, contact Diane Eggert, Executive Director of the Federation, at (315) 475-1101 or diane99@dreamscape.com.
Another timely publication from the Farmers' Market Federation of NY for organizers of and/or would-be participants in community farmers' markets is this booklet, which contains farm profiles and proceedings from the Farmers' Market Business Workshop at the February Direct Marketing Conference. It is full of good ideas from the vendors at farmers' markets, organizers of community markets, and Cornell staff on pricing, etc.
$10 plus S&H. Order from:
Farmers' Market Federation of NY
2100 Park St.
Syracuse, NY 13208
Contact Diane Eggert at the Federation office at (315) 475-1101 for more information.
Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems, University of Wisconsin-Madison
One critical goal of the CSA movement is to sustain farm families economically. CSA farms offer memberships to consumers, who receive shares of the farms' produce during the growing season. Researchers from CIAS and other partner institutions conducted the 1999 National CSA Farm Survey. Overall, they found that these farms tend to offer diverse products and sell them through many markets, not just CSA.
Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Researchers from CIAS and other organizations surveyed 825 CSA farmers included in a database compiled by the Robyn Van En Center. 316 farms in 41 states responded to this survey. While they have much in common, these CSA farms also have important differences.
Daniel Lass, G.W. Stevenson, John Hendrickson, Kathy Ruhf, October 2003
CSA Across the Nation provides the first comprehensive portrait of the CSA movement in the U.S. Findings from a 1999 national "census" survey show commonalities and diversity among CSA farms. The study includes fascinating data, analysis, reflections, and suggestions for future research. Publication is in PDF format.
For further information, contact Kathy Ruhf, Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group Coordinator, at nesawg@smallfarm.org.
Small Farms Success Project
A pamphlet on the successes and challenges of CSA for marketing small farms in the mid-Atlantic region. Free. Contact the Wallace Center/Winrock International at (703) 525-9430, ext. 675, or wallacecenter@winrock.org.
Cathy Roth, Elizabeth Keen, Center for Sustainable Agriculture, University of Vermont, 1999
Includes how a CSA works (budget, variety, land, distribution, community and communication, economic vitality) and suggestions for a successful CSA (production, membership, future of community-supported agriculture).
8 pages. Single copies free; multiple copies may require S&H fee. To order,
contact:
UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture
Agricultural Engineering Bldg.
63 Carrigan Dr.
Burlington, VT 05405
Phone: (802) 656-5459
E-mail: sustainable.agriculture@uvm.edu
Elizabeth Henderson, Robyn Van En
This handbook, for both farmers and consumers, covers everything from starting a CSA to how to build supportive communities.
270 pages. $24.95. To order, call (802) 656-0484 or e-mail sanpubs@uvm.edu. Supplies are limited.
University of Massachusetts Extension
A web site with a good explanation of community supported agriculture and comprehensive resource list.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, National Agricultural Library, Alternative Farming Systems Information Center
An online list of organizations and resource related to community supported agriculture.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Resource Service, National Agricultural Library, Alternative Farming Systems Information Center
Comprehensive list of resources for CSA farmers.
CSA brings together community members, farmers, and agricultural land in a relationship of mutual support based on an annual commitment to one another, a commitment that ensures the survival of local agriculture today and for future generations. The Robyn Van En Center offers a variety of services to existing and new CSA farmers and shareholders nationally.
Robyn Van En Center for CSA Resources
Wilson College
Fulton Center for Sustainable Living
1015 Philadelphia Ave.
Chambersburg, PA 17201
Phone: (717) 264-4141 ext. 3352 (Stephanie Reph)
Fax: (717) 264-1578
E-mail: info@csacenter.org
Katherine Adam, Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas
This online publication discusses the basics of CSAs, how they work, and how to get started. It also discusses how to retain shareholders as well as provides information on numerous organizations, publications, and web sites.
Doug Blackburn, The Albany Times Union
600-acre organic farm of Beatrice Berle and Jim Buckley, where the couple raise produce and livestock and milk a herd of goats. Farm produce is sold by subscription in weekly baskets. In contrast to a CSA operation where members buy shares in advance, here the members pay for vegetables each week as they pick them up. The operation also includes a farm store that sells goat milk and cheese, honey, and organic beef from the farm.
Paula Schafer, Cornell Cooperative Extension-Saratoga County
A summary of Schafer's recently completed thesis Key to Successful Marketing: Understanding What a Consumer Wants When Purchasing Animal Food Products Directly From the Farm. Focuses on quality criteria requirements of consumers when purchasing animal food products and identifies what attracts consumers to buy directly from the farm in a rural area in upstate New York.
Western Extension Marketing Committee, 2003
This publication examines 17 direct farm marketing and agritourism enterprises from the West and also includes introductory and summary sections. The end of each section provides contact information for the enterprises examined and for the contributing authors. Publication is in PDF format.
Copies of this publication are available for purchase for $10 through the University of Arizona College of Agriculture and Life Science's publications system. Please visit cals.arizona.edu/pubs/ or write to the following address:
CALSmart
4042 N. Campbell Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85719-1111
Phone: (520) 318-7275 or 1-877-763-5315 (toll-free)
Fax: (520) 795-8508
University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program
In November, 2002, more than 50 growers, agricultural professionals, and others gathered in the beachside town of Ventura as part of the California Farm Conference, to discuss how to market directly to restaurants and retailers. During a half-day short course led by Kris Pustina, a successful and innovative restaurateur in Ventura, and Mark Mulcahy, well-known marketing consultant, participants discussed the key elements for creating a successful, entrepreneurial relationship with local restaurants and retailers. The group also compiled a list of people, organizations and resources for future information and assistance. This leaflet summarizes the results of the group discussion in a question/answer format. Key contacts are listed at the end. Publication is in PDF format.
Growing for Market is a monthly magazine for direct marketers of produce, herbs, and cut flowers. Articles are written by experienced farmers, and offer practical, hands-on ideas that can help you find the best suppliers, get the best prices, reduce costs, sell more product, make your work more efficient, and incease your profit margin. On the GFM web site, you'll find information that will help you start or expand your market farming business: books, back issues, and special reports that you can purchase from GFM; color photos and additional information that supplement articles in the printed journal; and links to other resources.
Subscriptions are $30 for 1 year (12 issues) or $55 for 2 years (24 issues). To subscribe, visit the web site, print and fill out the order form, or contact:
Growing for Market
P.O. Box 3747
Lawrence, KS 66046
Phone: (785) 748-0605 or 1-800-307-8949 (toll-free)
Fax: (785) 748-0609
E-mail: growing4market@earthlink.net
Dr. Charles Hall, University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Discusses successful techniques and strategies for marketing through farmers markets, roadside stands, and u-picks.
$12 (payable to Texas Extension Education Foundation, c/o Tracy Davis #8400). To order, contact:
Texas A&M University
Department of Agricultural Economics
2124 TAMU
449 Blocker Bldg.
College Station, TX 77843-2124
Phone: (979) 845-1751
Fax: (979) 845-3150
E-mail: tdavis@tamu.edu
Janet Majure
Recipes sell produce. Growing for Market has come out with a book of recipes that direct market farmers can use to help them sell more produce. There are 3 recipes on a page, all focused on one major ingredient. The book is designed so that you can take it to the copy shop, make all the copies you want, and have them cut down into recipe cards. Copyright permission is specifically granted in the front of the book so you can show it to diligent clerks who ask about such things. The book is spiral bound so it lays flat on the copy machine. There are even trim marks for accurate cutting. You can either stamp the back of the cards with your farm's name, or you can use one of the 3 templates included in the book to design your own message that can be photocopied on the back of the recipe pages. Nearly 300 recipes using every major type of produce grown throughout North America have been compiled. This is not a vegetarian cookbook.
104 pages. $20 plus $4 shipping. To order, send payment to:
GFM
P.O. Box 3747
Lawrence, KS 66047
To order with a credit card, call 1-800-307-8949.
Jane Eckert, Diane Kline
A simple step-by-step guide to getting free publicity equal to thousands of dollars in paid advertising. $39.95.
Visit web site to order.
Jennifer-Claire V. Klotz, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, December 2002
This publication provides basic information and suggestions for direct farm marketers on selecting and tailoring a web site to meet their marketing needs and goals. Publication is in PDF format. For more information or to obtain a print copy of the publication, contact Errol Bragg at (202) 720-8317 or Errol.Bragg@usda.gov.
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida
Features sections on what direct marketing is, how small-scale farmers can use direct marketing to their advantage, some examples of direct marketing alternatives suitable for small farmers, basic keys to success in direct marketing, farmers markets, CSAs, agritourism, pricing and production, and markets for meat goats.
Vern Grubinger, Center for Sustainable Agriculture, University of Vermont, 1998
Description of different methods of direct marketing, such as roadside stands, PYO operations, farmers' markets, community supported agriculture, mobile marketing, and mail order.
8 pages. Single copies free; multiple copies may require S&H fee. To order,
contact:
UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture
Agricultural Engineering Bldg.
63 Carrigan Dr.
Burlington, VT 05405
Phone: (802) 656-5459
E-mail: sustainable.agriculture@uvm.edu
The North American Farmers' Direct Marketing Association is the perfect place for family farmers, extension agents, and farm market managers to network with each other on the profitability of direct marketing.
Members increase their farm income by learning from each other through conferences, international farm tours, newsletters, workshops, and trade publications.
North American Farmers' Direct Marketing Association
62 White Loaf Rd.
Southampton, MA 01073
Phone: (413) 529-0386
Books and online resources for small farm marketing and farmers markets. Site also includes links to a wide variety of small farm sustainable resources.
New World Publishing
11543 Quartz Dr. #1
Auburn, CA 95602
Phone: (530) 823-3886
Fax: (530) 823-3886
E-mail: eric@nwpub.net
This web site's Farm Market Trail lists over 160 farm stands identified by county. Information is included to let you know what each market offers in agricultural products, agri-entertainment, festivals, and events, along with the address and phone number of each stand and market.
New York State Farmers' Direct Marketing Association
7350 Collamer Rd.
E. Syracuse, NY 13057
Phone: (315) 656-9977
Fax: (315) 475-1101
Future Harvest-CASA is a network of farmers, agricultural professionals, landowners and consumers living and working in the Chesapeake region. Future Harvest-CASA promotes profitable, environmentally sound and socially acceptable food and farming systems that work to sustain communities.
Future Harvest-CASA
P.O. Box 337
106 Market Ct.
Stevensville, MD 21666
Phone: (410) 604-2681
Fax: (410) 604-2689
E-mail: fhcasa@umail.umd.edu
New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
The New York State Farm Fresh Guide lists nearly 2000 farms offering food, products, and services directly to the public.
To obtain a hard copy of the Farm Fresh Guide, please send your request by e-mail to info@agmkt.state.ny.us or call 1-800-554-4501. Please include your region(s) in your request.
University of Maine Cooperative Extension
A book offering direct marketing alternatives and strategies for beginning and established producers. Covers pick-your-own, roadside markets, farmers' markets, subscription farming, home delivery, selling to stores and restaurants, and more.
25 pages. Order #2300. $3. Click here to get an order form.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service
Publications, resources, farmers market directory, and more.
For more information about direct marketing programs at the USDA, please contact:
Errol Bragg, Associate Deputy Administrator
Marketing Services Branch - USDA
1400 Independence Ave., S.W.
Room 2642 - S, Stop 0269
Washington, DC 20250-0269
Phone: (202) 720-8317
Fax: (202) 690-0031
E-mail: Errol.Bragg@usda.gov
Drake University Law School, 1999
Copies may be purchased for $20 from:
Drake University Agricultural Law Center
Des Moines, IA 50311
Phone: (515) 271-2065
Raymond A. Jussaume, Jr., Cooperative Extension of College of Agriculture and Home Economics at Washington State University, January 2000
The objective of this publication is to demonstrate that marketing is essentially an exercise in building trust. It asserts that small farmers can benefit from developing a more intimate form of trust with their customers. Publication is in PDF format.
Richard F. Prim, Kaarin K. Foede, attorneys at law, University of Minnesota Extension Service, May 17, 2002
For producers considering direct marketing, this publication provides an introduction to legal issues that may affect their business. Written by two lawyers with commercial and agritourism law experience, the information is intended to help direct marketers avoid or minimize risk and liability. It is not intended to constitute legal advice or to address every situation. Use this publication as a discussion tool as you seek specific advice from an attorney or accountant familiar with your goals and business plan.
$10. Item BU-07683-GO. Order by calling 1-800-876-8636 or clicking here.