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MARKET MANAGERS

Market Managers

Farmers and Vendors

Consumers

Community Involvement

Farmers Market Week 2013 ~ August 4th through August 10th

Resources and Tools to Assist Farmers’ Market Managers
Farmers’ market managers are dedicated to strengthening farmers’ markets in Virginia by fostering appreciation for agriculture, creating a vibrant community center and allowing independently owned family businesses to thrive. Market managers wear several hats including educators, financial managers, human resource specialists, marketing coordinators and event organizers.  At the core of each market manager is a shared passion to serve farmers, consumers and their community. 

Management Skills
Virginia Farmers’ Market Managers Workshop Resources
Here you will learn about

• Current Food Safety and Process Food Regulations in Virginia
• Jams, Jellies, Pickles, Honey and current Food Regulations
• Food Processor Start Up Packet
• Dairy and Meat Regulations, Pet Food, Egg and Seafood Regulations
• Weights and Measures, Taxes, Insurance and EBT/SNAP Program Resources
• Creative Marketing Strategies

Foundations for a Successful Farmers’ Market
Establishing and Operating a Community Farmers’ Market
Farmers’ Markets Rules, Regulations and Opportunities ~ National Ag Law Center
Farmers’ Market Management Skills - Conflict Resolution

By-Laws and Organization Structure
Understanding Farmers Market Rules

• Samples:

By-Laws of Loudon Valley Homegrown Farmers Market Association
Sample Vendor Application Form and Policy and Procedures – Williamsburg Farmers Market

Non Profit Status
Obtaining 501(c)(3) exemption status from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may be one of the most effective ways to open doors for your farmers’ market.
The Trials and Tribulations of Form 1023

Food Safety
A Food Safety Guide for Farmers Markets
Going to Market: Guide to Selling Goods at Farmers’ Markets

Insurance
The National Farmers Market Vendor Liability Insurance Program

Managing Legal Liability Series for Direct Marketing ~ Publications by Virginia Cooperative Extension. ( Whitus, L., Richardson, J. & Walker, M.)
Managing Liability, Legal Liability in Agritourism and Direct Marketing Operations
Insurance Factsheet
How much Liability Insurance Coverage Should I Have
Conducting the Liability Assessment
Questions to Ask when Comparing Insurance Coverage
Virginia Attorneys: Members of the American Agricultural Law Association
Workers’ Compensation & Vendor Liability for Farmers’ Market Owners and Operators
Sources of Insurance

Taxes
Direct Marketer and Sales Tax in Virginia

Market Management Resources
Manage My Market is on online tool for Market Managers that eliminates paperwork and streamlines tasks like online vendor registration, stall assignments, invoicing and sales tracking plus more

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP/EBT
Learn how to accept SNAP benefits at Farmers Markets
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at Farmers Markets: A How-To Handbook
SNAP/EBT at your Farmers Market: Seven Steps to Success

Marketing
Virginia Grown Marketing Material and Logos

Economic Impact 
Market Umbrella SEED Tool

Is Local Food Affordable for Ordinary Folks?
A Comparison of Farmers Markets and Supermarkets in Nineteen Communities in the Southeast

For more information contact:
Leanne DuBois, VDACS Office of Promotions
E-mail: Leanne.dubois@vdacs.virginia.gov
Office: 804.225.3663