Farmer’s Market Resources
Consumers are expressing a renewed interest in buying food directly from the farmer or grower in their local areas. One reason for this consumer change is the new awareness of the importance of fresh vegetables and fruit in the diet, which are creating opportunities for marketing local produce to consumers through farmers’ markets. Also, the economic opportunities and rewards of the markets in a community’s development are being realized from community leaders.
The Farmers’ Market Directory offers a comprehensive listing of farmers’ markets in Missouri, including sale dates, hours, locations, contact names and telephone numbers.
If your community would like assistance in organizing a farmers’ market or know of a farmers’ market that is not listed in the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Farmers’ Market Directory, please contact:
Lane McConnell
Marketing Specialist - Agritourism, Farmers’ Markets & Organics
Missouri Department of Agriculture
1616 Missouri Boulevard, P.O. Box 630
Jefferson City, Mo. 65102
(573) 526-4984
Lane.McConnell@mda.mo.gov
Missouri Specialty Crop Grant Opportunities
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) made available a Specialty Crop Block Grant to the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) for enhancing the competitiveness of Missouri grown specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, tree nuts, nursery crops, floriculture, herbs, honey, mushrooms and Christmas trees. Both fresh and processed specialty crops are included. Livestock, poultry, marine or fresh water aquaculture are not considered specialty crops. Grain and feed crops such as barley, corn, hay, oats, alfalfa, rye, and wheat are also not eligible for funding under this program. Applicants must complete the Missouri Specialty Crop Grant Application and Grant Proposal Form. Application and submission requiremenst are detailed in the Request for Proposals.
Link to Request for Proposals, Grant Application and Grant Proposal Form.
Upcoming Missouri Farmers’ Market Workshops
Local direct marketing provides growers with a lucrative opportunity to sell directly to consumers at retail prices. Farmers’ markets are growing in popularity and in number, as consumers are becoming more health conscious and aware of the benefits of buying fresh, locally grown produce.
Recently, Missouri has seen an increase of farmers’ markets – more than 140 markets around the state. These markets are poised to be successful local markets, but more growers are needed to supply a variety of products to satisfy the consumer demand.
The Farmers’ Market Workshops will be held in seven cities across the state. The schedule is as follows:
- Nov. 21: Direct Marketing: Finding the Salesman in You
Hannibal, Quality Inn and Suites - Dec. 4: Direct Marketing: Finding the Salesman in You
St. Joseph, Buchanan County Extension Office - Dec. 11: Growing for a Farmers’ Market
Fredericktown, Eagles Lodge - Jan. 20: Food Safety, On the Farm and At Market
Columbia, Courtyard by Marriott - Jan. 27: Direct Marketing: Finding the Salesman in You
Blue Springs, Courtyard by Marriott Kansas City East/Blue Springs - Feb. 10: Food Safety, On the Farm and At Market
St. Peters, St. Charles County Extension Office - March 6: Growing for a Farmers’ Market
Springfield, Springfield Library Center
Workshops are $15 per person and includes lunch and snacks. For an information brochure or to obtain a registration form, contact Lane McConnell, marketing specialist with MDA, at (573) 751-4339 or Lane.McConnell@mda.mo.gov.
"A Look at Missouri Farmers’ Markets" Blog
Missouri offers consumers more than 130 farmers’ markets across the state. These markets support locally grown products and agricultural diversity, providing the freshest produce at fair prices while enhancing local economies. Take a closer look at the impact that Missouri markets make on our local food system by logging on to the farmers’ market blog and get up-to-date information about Missouri markets.
Structuring and Organizing your Market
In order to develop and maintain a viable farmers’ market, an organized and well thought out process needs to be implemented. In addition, steering committee members are encouraged to visit a successful market to gain ideas and a better understanding of how a market functions. Contact the Missouri Department of Agriculture for suggested markets to visit.
Farmers’ Market Timetable in Structuring your Market (pdf)
View a copy of the Webb City Farmers’ Market Rules and Regulations (pdf)
Missouri Farmers’ Market Start-Up Handbook
Farmers’ Market Weights & Measures Division Resources
Find information about how the Weights & Measures Division can help your market in the areas of: insurance of equity in the marketplace, accurate and honest commercial trade based on measurements, fair marketplace exchanges, demand accurate devices, approved and non-approved scales, egg licensing, packaging and labeling and methods of sale.
Egg Requirements for Farmers’ Markets (pdf)
Farmer’s Market Workshop (pdf)
Method of Sale for Fresh Commodities (pdf)
Requirements for Farmer’s Markets (pdf)
Food Safety for Farmers’ Markets
Foods sold at farmers’ markets must be wholesome, safe, and from approved sources. Government agencies, vendors, market managers, and market sponsors are all responsible for the safety of the products at the markets. Providing safe and properly labeled foods not only protects public health but ensures consumer confidence.
Food Safety Concerns in the Field (pdf)
Food Safety from Field to Market (pdf)
Irrigation Methods and Associated Issues (pdf)
Update on Recent Outbreaks Associated with Fresh Produce (pdf)
State Regulations for Selling at Farmers’ Markets (pdf)