Market Farming

[SCook21809 AT aol.com]

<< Does your market have an association for the vendors?  If so, how does 
this work & what are the pros & cons?>>

Liz,
    The Bainbridge Island Farmers' Market Assoc. (BIFMA) is made up entirely 
of venders.  In order to sell at the market each vender must be a BIFMA 
member in order to be covered by the site insurance.  To join, they must read 
and sign an agreement to follow the market rules.  Board members are elected 
by the general membership at our annual meeting in February.  More than 50% 
of the board members must be growers.  The board hires the Market Manager, 
does the annual budget, applies for grants, controls advertizing and 
recommends rule changes to the membership.  But all rule changes must pass a 
majority vote by the membership to go into effect.
    The Association got started10 years ago when a bunch of friends were 
sitting around and one said, "Damn, we should have a Farmers' Market here."  
We found a lawyer to set up the association as a nonprofit corporation to 
limit the liability (suability) of the venders, manager and board members.  
Our first board had a restaurant owner, baker, realitor and several growers.
    There are many ways to create an Association.  The creators get to pick 
the rules for the most part.  In Washington, there is a State Association who 
we buy our insurance from.  They require the more than 50% growers as sellers 
and board members in order to call it a farmers' market.

Art Biggert
Ocean Sky Farm