Maryland Farmers Market Association announces ‘Starting a Farmers Market’ workshop series

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Maryland Farmers Market Association – in partnership with the Maryland Department of Agriculture – will offer a workshop series for Marylanders interested in starting a farmers market. This series will give participants access to the association’s experienced staff and provide all the necessary tools and information to run a successful market operation. The department will also provide information on the role of federal nutrition benefits programs at farmers markets.

Click here to sign up online, or contact the Maryland Farmers Market Association at info@marylandfma.org or (410) 929-1645. See below for more information on schedule and topics covered:

February 1-2: Planning for Your Market Launch

Topics will include: Things to consider when starting your market (mission, identifying community assets, finding your farmers, financing, etc.) and what to expect as a first-year market.

• February 1, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. – Planning Your Market Launch, Webinar
• February 2, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Planning Your Market Launch, 345 N. Charles St., Baltimore, 21201

March 16-17: Market Management

Topics will include: Market location and layout, marketing and promotion, staffing, best practices in farmer/vendor management, banking considerations, and data collection.

• March 16, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. –Market Management, Webinar
• March 17, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Market Management, Charlotte Hall Library, 37600 New Market Road, Charlotte Hall 20622

April 6-7: Food Access, Sales & Success

Topics will include: Federal nutrition benefits programs for farmers markets and farmers market fundraisers, events and promotions.

• April 6, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. – Food Access, Sales & Success, Webinar
• April 7, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Food Access, Sales & Success,  Maryland Department of Agriculture, 50 Harry S Truman Pkwy, Annapolis  21401

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