BC Association of Farmers' markets

The demand for locally produced, fresh and nutritious food has grown rapidly over the past ten years, and so too has the number of farmers' markets. Today, farmers' markets operate in every type of community across BC, from cities to suburbs to rural communities.

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Markets :: Start a Farmer's Market

Start a Farmer's Market

Start a Farmer's Market

Organizing your start-up
 

  1. Secure a location.
  2. Set days and times of operation.
  3. Register as a Non-Profit Society.
    • You can obtain a package from your local Access Centre
      Some items to be completed:
      A name search
      Registration of the society
    • Draw up your Constitution and Bylaws
    • You will receive a Certificate of Incorporation No.
    • An annual report must be filed after your AGM, including a financial statement.
  4. Maintain a membership list.
  5. Establish a bank account.
    • Should have 2 signatures.
    • An account as a Non-Profit Society may be eligible for no-fee banking. (Check with your local Credit Union.)
    • A chequing account - for current expenses
    • A savings or term account - for future expenditures and set-up monies for next year's market.
  6. Business License as a Market
    All communities handle this differently. Most communities' markets pay for one license to cover all vendors.
  7. Check into Insurance
    Membership with the association will give you the opportunity for an exceptional group insurance rate.
  8. Find out about becoming a member of the BC Association of Farmers' Markets. Click here.
  9. Following are other things to be considered:
    • Stall fees
    • BC Association of Farmers' Market membership fees
    • Market rules and regulations
    • Organizational design
    • Signage
    • Advertising and promotion
    • Market Manager - paid or unpaid
    • Regional Health Department
  10. Contact your municipality with these recommendations in mind: Click here .
  11. Find out about our programs that will help you and your market grow. Click Here

Why start a farmers' market? Here are some of the benefits.

  • Self-help for local and small farmers
  • Add to local food economy
  • Reduce environmental impacts
  • Rural/urban links
  • Possible town/city centre regeneration
  • Invigorate secondary shopping areas
  • Other retailers/food outlets benefit
  • Educational-awareness of farming, seasonality etc.
  • Fresher, locally grown foods available
  • Organic/environmental issues
  • Social/improve community spirit
  • Add to tourism
  • Can be self-sustaining

For more information see this document: www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/aec/aec77/aec77.pdf