Setting up a Farmers Market

We started to explore the logistics of setting up a Farmers market in Midleton. A small committee was formed in 1999 and we approached the local Urban District Council and Chamber of Commerce as we considered it vital to have them on our side. The Country Markets also came on board.  We needed to convince the local business community that the Farmers Market would not be a threat but would enhance their business.  In Midleton this has been found that there is an  increase in business in the town as more people come in on a Saturday because of the market.  I do not have figures but there is a visible increase in the number of shoppers.  Each stall holder must be responsible for their own area and one person is responsible foir making sure that the whole area is left spotless afterwards.
How to set up a Farmers’ Market -  The market concept needs to be one person’s vision and this person needs to have a very high standard and commitment which will inspire the other committee members to achieve this standard.   Best not to get involved in local politics.   In Midleton we made a decision not to have craft stalls, the standard varies, as does people’s taste. The main demand is for local food 

Set up a small committee –
Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson
Market Controller (responsibility for allocating space for stalls, putting up signs, dealing with any problems on market day, checking site after market has finished.)
Secretary
Treasurer and joint Treasurer
1 or 2 committee members
Identify market rights in the town or village, or a possible appropriate site. 
Approach Urban Council and Chamber of Commerce if applicable.
When agreement is reached, put up signs (see attached sign), in local area – shops, 
 pubs, hairdressers, doctor and dentist waiting rooms, mart…….to invite applications for stalls
 Have a public meeting to answer questions and allay fears of local shopkeepers.
 Draw up a code of practice.
 We sell plants, fruit and vegetables in season, cheese, poultry, jams and preserves, home baking… We now in fact have a waiting list for stalls and each new application is vetted by the Committee before acceptance.
I hope this is some help to you,  I wish you luck if you decide to go ahead,  but make sure that you meet all the criteria of the local Health Authority

 

Arbutus Breads

Ballintubber Farm

Ballymaloe Cookery School

Belvelly Smokehouse

Clodagh’s Stall

Dan and Ann Ahern

Margaret Keane

Sunnyside fruit farm

Tim and Fiona york

Willie Scannell