Market Farming

[HoeManGray AT aol.com]

Hi,
I've been quitely reading the list for a few weeks. What a wealth of 
knowledge here!
I am a small cutflower grower in Oregon (my second job-hopefully someday a 
fulltime job!).

I sell at our local "Saturday Market" which is a combo produce, plant, and 
arts and crafts market.  Our market has a consignment booth and that's what 
I've 
done for 3 years. I'm not quite big enough to have my own booth, hopefully 
next year. The consignment booth is managed by the market and takes 20% of 
what 
you gross. And, you don't have to be there all day.  I do volunteer and help 
out once a month, but it is a good way to get started, test the market and 
see 
what people buy.  Last year the consignment booth was run by a fellow 
cutflower and vegetable grower and her booth was combined with the 
consignment booth.  
I did much better last year, I suspect it was because people didn't know 
whose goods they were buying!  However, I think it will be better in the long 
run 
as the consignment booth gathers steam again and gains a reputation for 
quality, locally grown produce (arts & crafts aren't allowed.)  And, from a 
market 
perspective, its a way for new growers to get started and help the market 
earn 
a bit of money.
Thanks for all the information so far.
Wendy Gray
~Cutflowers For You~
Hood River, OR