Maine’s Farmers’ Markets Prepare for the 2018 Season
Pittsfield
- The Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets (MFFM)
reminds farmers, food producers, and others interested in joining a Maine
farmers’ market for the 2018 summer season that they should be finalizing their
applications now. Most markets accept applications from new vendors in January
and February, and some continue to accept applications through March.
The winter application process is vital for
anyone planning to sell at farmers’ markets in the coming season. Typically the
application is reviewed by a committee, and potential new vendors may also be
invited to attend a market meeting to meet the current members and discuss the
new vendors products.
Maine has more than 130 summer farmers’
markets, and each is operated locally. To find out whether a particular market
is accepting new vendors this year, visit the market’s website and social
media. The Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets maintains a Facebook page to
help connect vendors with markets (@mainevendorswanted).
Unexpected vacancies may occur at any market, and vendors of less common
products (such as bread, fish, and cheese) may have more latitude, but
generally, a winter application process is the norm.
“We often receive calls from people in May and
June who want to join a farmers’ market for the season, and they are
disappointed to find they are months too late,” according to MFFM’s Executive
Director, Leigh Hallett. “The bulk of the planning for the summer season takes
place in January, February, and March, when farmers’ markets hold their winter
meetings. Joining a market means joining a team that will ultimately be helping
to support your business, so it’s definitely worth the time investment now.”
MFFM research has found that farmers’ market
members in Maine travel an average of 22 miles from farm to market, and it’s
common to belong to two or more markets. This and other data is available in
the 2017 Maine Farmers’ Market Annual Report, which is available in print (free
at farmers’ markets and MFFM’s office) and online at mainefarmersmarkets.org. The report is a
useful tool for anyone considering joining a farmers’ market, and a great read
for anyone who supports Maine agriculture.
Markets are
community hubs, and MFFM is the hub dedicated to markets and the farmers and
customers who rely on and love them. The Federation’s website offers detailed
information for farmers’ market managers, market members (vendors), and
shoppers. Staff may be reached by calling the office at (207) 487-7114, or
emailing info@mffm.org.
 Castine Farmers Market
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