More Farmers Market Material

While in Manitoba we attended and spoke at the conference. Another speaker was Dianna Mae Hocaluk who is responsible for the organisation of the markets in the Province. She gave an excellent talk on the 10 qualities needed in a farmers market and I would like to share those thoughts with you; The RIGHT vendors – Competition between vendors is important and they are the heart of the market. Emphasis by vendors should be on local connections and displays should be set up with the 3 second rule in mind. It takes three seconds for a customer to walk past the stall. Plus customer service is the key. The RIGHT location – Where people have to go is ideal, we love the fact that she prefers church areas as these are places of trust. The RIGHT mix – Lots of choice within a category is important and you need to remove the Bully Marketers before they spoil the spirit of the market. The RIGHT mission – Have a clear mission and build the local community. A market should be connected to a community garden on site. A lovely comment for her ” You are more likely to see people kiss at a market than at a grocery store” The RIGHT space – It must be safe and clean. Informal and not over designed, a place that puts people at ease. The RIGHT connections – It must reflect the community and help rebuild the local economy whilst giving back to the community. It has to come with cross cultures in the community. The RIGHT economics – You have to justify public investment in the market and keep the money local. The RIGHT promotions – Keep people at the market as markets should be places of good news in the community. The RIGHT values – Affirm a sense of place, local control and ownership. The RIGHT management – You need a manager who understands the market. Dianna this is a great top 10 and thank you for sharing the ideas with us. Whilst at the trade show we also visited Barb’s Kitchen, a local supplier of jams. What caught our eye was the literature and the way it was written, let us give you an example; “It all started with a dandelion jelly. I made the jelly and then was invited to come to the St Norbert Farmer’s Market to sell the unique wild berry jams and jellies and off to the market I went …….” What a great way to promote your business. People love stories and this was great way to start selling your story.