There are 33 farmers' markets in Rhode Island in 2008. That's one market for every 32,000 people, and almost twice as many markets as four years ago. Farm Fresh Rhode Island runs 7 of those markets; others are run by the RI DEM Division of Agriculture, community groups or farmers. Farm Fresh provides resources to many markets across the state with educational and outreach materials. We publish 5 regional pocket guides to RI farmers' markets and offer poster design services to markets. (Farm Fresh also receives about 1 or 2 requests every week from a different person or group wanting to start a new market!)

Successful markets have deep community roots and offer a thriving marketplace for farmers and eaters. Use these questions as a guide as you plan a market.

Nine Questions to Ask First

1. Do you have a vision? Have you visited other markets? What will your market look like in five years? What day of the week will it be on? How many vendors? Who will run it?
2. Do you have a site? Many things make a market successful—especially the location. Where will people park? Is the site easy to find? Is there a lot of foot traffic? Can the elderly get there? Is it on a bus route? Is there a density of potential costumers nearby? Is there a restroom for customers to use? Is there shade for delicate greens?
3. Is there already a market nearby? Will you be drawing customers away from a pre-existing market or will you be reaching a new customer base?
4. Who are you? Are you one person with a crazy idea? Are you a group of people? A business with a goal of improving employee wellness? Are you a public-private partnership? Do you envision incorporating the market into a non-for-profit organization? Could you partner with a pre-existing farmers’ market organization?
5. Do you know the neighbors? Are there businesses or organizations nearby who you could work with? Are there neighbors who might be opposed to a farmers’ market?
6. Who will shop at the market? Is there a density of certain ethnicities nearby? Will you need bi-lingual signage? Will people be familiar with what grows locally? Will you need educational materials? Will there be a cash-paying clientele? Will it be a WIC-check-based market?
7. What kind of permits will you need? Are you on private property? Will you be paying rent? Does the city require a vendor’s licenses for each vendor or from the market as a unit?
8. Who are your farmers? Do you already know some local farmers? Are they available on the day you have chosen? Do you know a bakery? Do you know someone who could sell prepared foods? Eggs? Specialty greens? Heirlooms vegetables? Fruits? Is it a lunch hour market geared to office workers or a neighborhood market where customers stock up for the week?
9. Do you have funds or a business plan? What amount will you charge vendors? How will you buy market insurance? How will you pay for ads and other materials? Will you solicit corporate sponsorships? Have market memberships? Who will manage the budget?

Resources and People to Contact

1. Senior coupons. E-mail Peter at RI DEM Division of Agriculture so your farmers can accept Senior coupons.
2. WIC coupons: E-mail Tracy at RI Dept of Health so that your farmers can accept WIC Farmers' Market coupons.
3. EBT and credit card processing: How Farm Fresh does it | Tips from Oregon Farmers' Markets
4. Find farmers and volunteers: Land, Jobs, Stuff Bulletin Board
5. Articles:
   • Starting a farmers’ market the right way
   • Start a Farmers' Market in Your Own Area
   • USDA AMS Guide: Start a Farmers Market