Many people use the terms “Rules” and “By-Laws” interchangeably. They are similar, but have basic differences. You might think of the difference this way: By-laws are like our Constitution, and Rules are like our laws. Rules (sometimes called “guidelines” or “regulations”) are for the day-to-day operation of the markets. They are often changed a little […]
Blog entries by Tom Roberts
Missing the point about “Why Farmers’ Markets Fail:” A lesson in radical green economics of yesterday and tomorrow
June 22, 2012 CategoriesThe recent feature article “Why Do Some Farmers Markets Fail?” excerpted from an extension bulletin by Larry Lev, Garry Stevenson and Linda Brewer in the March/April 2008 issue of Farmers’ Markets Today seems to have left out some very important factors leading to the demise of certain farmers markets. The article does mention several factors that […]
What do I need for setting up at a farmers’ market?
June 22, 2012 CategoriesSo you’ve decided to try selling at a farmers’ market. The gardens are weeded, the harvest is starting, and it’s time to sell. What equipment and techniques will you need to help sell your produce? This pamphlet was written by two farmers (Kate Slattery & Tom Roberts) from opposite ends of the state—one with 10 […]
Dependent Markets vs. Independent Markets
June 22, 2012 CategoriesConsider for a moment the way farmers’ markets are organized. Not whether or how they are incorporated, not how many or what kind of members they have, but rather how and whether the membership is involved in the management of the business of being a farmers’ market. There seems to be two general categories: those […]
A 2020 vision for Maine’s farmers’ markets
June 22, 2012 CategoriesThe future reality of farmers’ markets can be determined to a great degree by today’s vision of what we’d like to see, and on what tools we have and can develop to bring that vision about. This article discusses our understanding of where we are today, and what choices we might make to bring about […]