Iowa Farmers
Market Association
2011 Farmers Market Workshop Guest Speakers Jeff is the Executive Director of the Federation of Massachusetts Farmers Markets (FMFM). He has served as Executive Director of FMFM since 2000. Mary Peabody Mary Peabody is the director of the Women's Agricultural Network, as well as the UVM Extension Specialist in Community Resources and Economic Development. She is a regular instructor for Growing Places, Taking Stock and a variety of workshop topics on business planning, marketing and labor management. She also offers several online classes each year. Mary is currently serving on the USDA Advisory Committee for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers. The 2010 Workshop as a success! Many thanks to our friends and sponsors. Prof. Catherine H Strohbehn, ISU HRIM Extension Specialist, presented information about food safety for growers. Here are the handouts and the presentation: (select to download)
Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011, 9 am - 4 pm
in Des Moines, Iowa
Jeff Cole
Handling Difficult Situations and People
He worked with FMFM staff and the Mass Department of Food and Agriculture to begin the program now known as the farmers market nutrition program and was one of the first farmers to accept farmers market coupons. Jeff currently
serves on multiple agricultural boards including the Massachusetts Agriculture Promotion Board and the New England Vegetable and Berry Growers Association (NEVGBA) Promotions Committee.
Jeff has farmed family land in Sutton, MA since 1981, and he continues to own and operate Silvermine Farm with his wife, Martha. They are the 9th generation on the farm dating back to 1716.
Farmers Market Displays
and Pricing
Her passions include growing things—both plants and animals, learning new skills, traveling, and teaching. Working as part of the WAgN team from its beginning is one of her proudest accomplishments. The people she has met through the program inspire her daily with their ongoing commitment to agriculture and community building.
More details to come!
Questions? contact vrgieseke@q.com
Bob Haxton, Iowa Dept. of Inspections and Appeals, provided valuable information about Iowa's requirements for farmers market food safety, licensing, etc. Here are the handouts: (select to download)
Farmers Markets
Contribute $71 million
to Iowa’s Economy
This information was among the statistics learned from an economic impact study conducted in 2009.
The 223 farmers markets across Iowa in 2009 had an estimated $59.4 million in direct and indirect sales, and an additional $12.2 million of personal income effects.
In addition, 374 direct jobs and over 200 indirect jobs could be attributed to the activities of farmers markets.
A similar study was done in 2004. The current data shows a 92 percent increase in sales at the farmers markets located across the state.
The study also shows that farmers markets had $38.4 million in sales in 2009 based on consumer reports, which was an increase from $20 million in 2004.
Other results show that approximately 99,000 customers and 1,500 vendors attended at least one market in 2009.
The survey shows that the average customer returned for approximately 11 market visits per season, and spent an average of $17.12 per visit. 84.4 percent of customers purchased fresh fruit and vegetables and 45 percent purchased baked good.
Iowa is fourth in the nation for the number of farmers markets, and second in the number per capita. The number of markets in the state has increased by more than 75 percent over the past 15 years.
The 2009 Farmers Market Economic Impact Survey was conducted by a cooperative agreement between the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the USDA National Agriculture Statistics Service Iowa Field Office. Surveys were conducted at farmers markets throughout the state, and supported by the Iowa Farmers Market Association.
A full copy of the report is available at
Click here for information about how to Select and Store Fresh Produce.
