Marketing to Farmers 

The number one customer in the farmers' market is the farmer. The market must provide farmers a viable farm direct opportunity.  

A market needs to have a critical mass of farmers for a successful market.  This number will vary depending on the community.  

How to Locate Interested Farmers

• Send press releases to area newspapers, agriculture publications, grower' newsletters, extension service newsletters. 
• Write an article for the Capital Press
• Contact Oregon State County Extension Offices. 
• Place signage in farm supply stores and other areas where farmers congregate.  
• Ask local farmers for leads
• Join Oregon Farmers' Markets Association
• Contact Oregon Tith
• Contact Oregon Department of Agriculture
• Attend farm direct marketing conferences
• Research local farmstands in the market's region
• Create a Community Table

How to Sell Farmers on Your Market

• Choose a farmer-friendly site with adequate off-loading space and parking.

• Determine the market's day and time of operation based on surrounding farmers' markets schedules.

• Provide a map of the site to show surrounding businesses, neighborhoods, on and off freeway ramps, and traffic patterns.  Indicate public transportation routes.

• Mail an invitation packet including a letter of introduction and map.  Follow-up the packet with a personal phone call

• Show samples of posters, signage, street banners and press releases

• Introduce farmers to the core group of market organizers.

• Ask the farmers for their opinions to encourage joint "ownership" of the market.

OFMA's Market Resource Library provides links, contacts and excellent reading resources to help jump start a market.  OFMA also welcomes your questions. (info@oregonfarmersmarkets.org)