Behind the scenes at any farmers markets is a dedicated team of market staff, volunteers, boards, permitting agencies, landlords, food assistance programs, clean up crews, and, of course, vendors. At the center is the Farmers Market Manager. This vital job requires an ever-expanding skill set, timely information, and networking with city, county and state-wide partners. The Farmers Market Managers “Online Info Booth” is a clearinghouse of key information and resources to serve the managers who make King County’s over 40 farmers markets possible. These pages are designed to offer tools and resources for the market manager who works year round or for those who work seasonally or are just getting started.  The site offers assistance with: - County contacts
- Meetings and upcoming events
- Trainings
- Farmers Market Access Project
EBT, Credit/Debit Technology - Market Research and Data
- Additional external resources
County Contacts - Karen Kinney
- For information about the Farmers Market Access Project (206) 263-6429
King County Market Manager Listserv Meetings And Upcoming Events King County Market Manager Forum Meetings
King County continues to facilitate solutions to problems common to all farmers markets. The county’s Agriculture Program organizes and facilitates quarterly Farmers Market Manager Forums that focus on regulations, marketing, and operational issues. These meetings provide an opportunity for managers to learn about health regulations and food safety practices. They talk with each other about marketing strategies, staffing and vendor issues, and business operations. The forum is particularly helpful for managers of new markets to learn from the experience of more seasoned managers. When: July 23, 2012, 9:30 - Noon
Where: King Street Center, 201 S Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98104-3855
Contact: Steve Evans, King County This program is made possible with the generous support of the King Conservation District(external link). |
King County Farmers Markets as of 2011: - Market Managers: 30
- Unique market locations: 41
- Market days/week (at peak): 49
- Estimated total visitors: 12 Million
- Estimated total sales: over $30 Million
- Estimated total number of volunteer hours which contributes to the success of markets: 10,000
- Estimated total Lbs. of food donated to food banks: 120,000
Other resourcesSee the results of a 2011 survey of farmers markets in King County - 967KB PDF |
