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Farmers Market Pros
Tent Talk is a podcast for farmers' market managers, farmers, food makers, and anyone who counts on farmers’ markets as a source of income. Please join us as we interview farmers’ market experts, talk about ways to improve local food communities, and provide you with tips on building a successful farmers’ market business.
Tent Talk is produced by Farmers Market Pros.
Sarah and Adeline Marshall on welcoming families & growing young entrepreneurs
This week we’re joined by our good friend Sarah Marshall of Marshall’s Haute Sauce and her daughter Adeline of Adeline’s Bunny Puffs. Sarah is a long-time vendor at Portland, Oregon area farmers markets and her daughter Adeline (age 8) is a newer market vendor, who sells her freeze dried snacks right alongside her mom! In this episode we catch up with Sarah about what's going on with Marshall's Haute Sauce and discuss all the ways to get families and children involved at farmers markets, both as shoppers and participants. We also hear from the mini-marketeer, Adeline, about her new farmers market venture. This week's episode is made possible by support from Blue Owl Promos.
45:5610/01/2022
Lauren Wood on the benefits of farmers markets located at transportation hubs
This week on Tent Talk we're joined by Lauren Wood, Director of The Fresh MARTA Market, a pop-up farm stand that sources produce from local farms and brings them to five MARTA public transportation stations in Atlanta, Georgia. Lauren shares how the Fresh MARTA Markets work and explains all the benefits of having ready to purchase local food at metro stations. Tune in and hear how Community Farmers Markets has successfully partnered with Atlanta's public transportation service! This week's episode is made possible by support from Farmers Market Coalition.
36:5703/01/2022
Best of Tent Talk: Kathy Newsom of The Corner Farmers Market
Happy Holidays! The year is almost over, but it’s not too late to post a last minute appeal for funds while your farmers market shoppers and fans have a few days left to earn 2021 tax deductions for their donations! Enjoy this Best of Tent Talk episode from last May, and find out how Kathy Newsom of The Corner Farmers Market in Greensboro, North Carolina gains financial support from community members, vendors, and local businesses.
40:4927/12/2021
Farmers Market New Years Resolutions
And just like that, 2021 is coming to a close! This week on Tent Talk we look back on all we accomplished this year and chat about our favorite episodes from the last 12 months. We also reflect on how well we did with our New Years Resolutions we made last December and set new goals for 2022. This week's episode is made possible by support from Vendor-101 and our incredible Tent Talk listeners (like you!). Happy Holidays!
37:4220/12/2021
Charlie Blonkenfeld on crowdfunding his new kitchen
Our guest this week is Charlie Blonkenfeld, founder and owner of Bagelfeld's Bagels in Phoenix, Arizona. Charlie launched his bagel business in 2020 and he’s found a devoted following at farmers markets across the Phoenix area. His bagel operation quickly outgrew his rented commercial kitchen, so he launched a Kickstarter to cover the costs of expanding production and a brick and mortar location. Listen in to hear us talk about the trials and tribulations of launching a new business venture, the deep emotional bonds people create with bread, and how to pull off a successful crowdfunding campaign. This week's episode is made possible by support from The Kitchen Door.
48:4213/12/2021
Maya Madsen on vegan festivals and holiday pop-up events
We're so glad to welcome back our farmers market friend and unofficial 4th host of Tent Talk, Maya Madsen, owner & founder of Maya's Cookies! Maya just celebrated the 6th anniversary of launching Maya's Cookies and 1 full year since she opened her first brick and mortar location. In this episode we check in with Maya to see how she's holding up during her busiest time of year and we talk about the benefits of non-farmers market foodie events like vegan festivals and holiday pop-ups. As always, Maya has tons of great advice for farmers market foodmakers and small business owners! This week's episode is made possible by support from Loco Canopies.
44:4306/12/2021
Annual reporting for farmers market operators
Creating an end of year report for your farmers market is a great way to reflect on all that you've accomplished in the last year and can also be a helpful tool to communicate the impact your market makes in your community. This week on Tent Talk we discuss how to develop an annual report, what an annual report looks like, and who to share it with. We also chat about how to collect farmers market data and what to include in your end of year report if you don't have any hard numbers. This week's episode is made possible by support from MarketWurks.
38:2729/11/2021
Stefanie Stauffer on managing a century old farmers market
This week our guest is Stefanie Stauffer, farmers market manager at the year-round Ann Arbor, Michigan Farmers Market, where farmers and vendors have been bringing fresh produce, farm products, prepared foods and artisan items to their community for 102 years! In our conversation, Stefanie tells us about the history behind this long-lived local institution and what it's like operating a market that's run by the Parks Department. We also chat food access and longterm DEI initiatives in farmers market communities. This week's episode is made possible by support from Market Link.
50:4222/11/2021
Beth Satterwhite on the perks of a market share program
This week on Tent Talk we're joined by Beth Satterwhite, farmer at Even Pull Farm a small, first-generation farm offering responsibly-grown produce and cut flowers in Yamhill Valley, Oregon. Beth and her partner Erik have been farming since 2014 and are a mainstay at the McMinnville Farmers Market. A few seasons ago they transitioned away from a traditional CSA and now offer a unique market share program. Their pre-pay system makes it easy for their regulars and helps cover the farm's operation costs in the off-season. Talk about a win-win! This week's episode is made possible by support from California Palms.
41:0815/11/2021
Make a budget for your farmers market business and stick to it
There's no better time than the end of the calendar year to update your farmers market budget! This week on Tent Talk, we chat about the need for a realistic and accurate budget and how it can help you grow your business. We'll also give you some tips for staying within that budget and how to make those tough decisions if you find yourself overspending. Making a budget for your business doesn't have to be scary! This week's episode is made possible by support from Gusto.
36:1408/11/2021
Preparing your farmers market for the holidays
It's November 1st and the end of year holiday countdown has begun! This week on Tent Talk we discuss how to make the most of the holidays at your farmers markets. We cover how to address tricky scheduling challenges, promotion and marketing opportunities for your market, and some vital holiday event logistics. Make those lists and check them twice! This week's episode is made possible by support from Food Business Success.
35:4901/11/2021
Jenny Heck on the impact grant funding can make for farmers market vendors
For farmers market vendors operating on tight budgets, purchasing the tools or inventory necessary to get their business running at a higher capacity can be an on-going challenge. If only they had a couple thousand dollars, they could really push things to the next level! This week our guest is Jenny Heck, market manager at Mill City Farmers Market in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Jenny oversees the Next Stage Grant Program, which was launched in 2013 to provide funding to local farmers market vendors who are growing toward the “next stage” of their local food businesses. In the years since, this program has granted over $240,000 to local farmers and food makers and improved the quality of farmers markets across the state! This week's episode is made possible by support from WhatsGood.
39:3525/10/2021
Wrapping up your 2021 farmers market season
It’s that time of year again! Kids are going back to school, tourists are starting to head home, and there’s a slight chill in the air. Since many farmers markets across the country are wrapping up their 2021 seasons soon, this week we're sharing tips for closing out your market season on a high note and what to do during the “off season” to make next year even more successful. This week's episode is made possible by support from Vendor-101.
34:0018/10/2021
Libby Lefanowicz on building her plant-based brand at the farmers market
Our guest this week is Vendor-101 grad, Libby Lefanowicz, the owner, founder and Chief Maker of plant-based desserts at Kula Ice Cream. In 2019, Libby founded San Diego’s first and only completely gluten-free and vegan ice cream company with a catch… her dairy-free frozen dessert actually tastes like real ice cream! In this episode Libby explains how she juggles increasing production and developing new flavors while also selling at multiple farmers markets a week, the importance of a well-trained staff, and future plans for her newly-opened commercial kitchen and scoop shop. This week's episode is made possible by support from Local Food Marketplace.
48:4411/10/2021
Ashley Drakeford on re-envisioning your local food system
This week on Tent Talk our guest is Ashley Drakeford of The Capital Market in Capitol Heights, Maryland. As a 6th generation resident of Prince Georges County, she is deeply committed to seeing her community thrive and spearheading equitable change through access to fresh and healthy food. In this episode Ashley shares the story behind The Capital Market and the role it plays in bringing food justice and equity to her community. We also chat about the importance of vendor training and The Capital Market's produce buyback program. This week's episode is made possible by support from Nutrition Incentive Hub.
44:3304/10/2021
Reactivating a farmers market that has been dormant
It's been 18 months since the first round of COVID-19 shutdowns and some farmers markets that closed in response to the pandemic are just now starting to reactivate, or are planning to do so in 2022. But reopening a farmers market isn't as simple as flipping a switch! There's a lot that goes into jumpstarting a market that has been dormant. This week Catt, Brijet and Justine talk about what it takes to reopen an inactive market, from recruiting vendors to community outreach. This week's episode is made possible by support from InTents: the Farmers Market Conference.
33:0927/09/2021
Jon and Amanda on expanding their business while staying true to their farmers market roots
Our guests this week are Jonathan Przybyl and Amanda Abou-Eid, owners and bakers at Proof Bread in the Phoenix, Arizona metro area. Jon and Amanda took over an existing farmers market and wholesale bakery business in 2017 when their favorite bread vendor decided to retire. After four years of baking in their garage, Proof Bread has expanded into a commercial bakery space and is now sold at 5 weekly markets across Arizona. Tune in this week to hear Jon and Amanda's incredible story of how they've expanded their business while staying true to their farmers market roots. This week's episode is made possible by support from The Food Corridor.
01:05:0620/09/2021
Punita Patel on balancing your farmers market dreams with reality
This week on Tent Talk our guest is Punita Patel, owner and chief buffalo milker at Backyard Buffalo. Punita raises water buffalo and sells gorgeous Indian specialty foods at farmers markets in Jacksonville Florida, while advocating for sensible regulation of small, local dairies. In this episode we chat about balancing farmers market dreams with reality, how to adjust your product line to fill the needs of consumers, and what market managers and market vendors can do to ensure everyone succeeds. This week's episode is made possible by support from The Kitchen Door.
52:5213/09/2021
Best of Tent Talk: Katie Green of Wild Hare Organic Farm
Happy Labor Day weekend! The Farmers Market Pro Team is taking the holiday weekend off and we're revisiting an episode from early 2020, when Catt and Katie Green of Wild Hare Organic Farm met up at the Washington State Farmers Market Association Conference in Tacoma. They chatted about what makes a great farmers market from a farmer's point of view and how Katie juggles markets, farming, a successful CSA program, and family life. This week's episode is made possible by support from American Farmland Trust.
24:2206/09/2021
Questions and answers from our Farmers Market Pros online community
Tune into Tent Talk this week for another round of questions and answer from our Farmers Market Pros online community! Catt, Brijet and Justine dive deep into updating farmers market sampling protocols, managing EBT/SNAP and market match programs, making sure your farmers market is ADA compliant, how to keep people from driving through your market during operating hours, and much more! This week's episode is made possible by support from MarketWurks.
47:3830/08/2021
Andrew Plotsky on branding your farmers market business
Our guest this week is Andrew Plotsky, Creative Director at Farmrun, a creative studio in Vermont that works with all types of clients (from food and agriculture to politics and culture) to develop brand strategy, logos, and web design. Farmrun is located at Stitchdown Farm, which Andrew co-owns and co-operates with his wife, where they grow specialty cut flowers and offer floral design for all occasions. In this episode we chat about what a brand is, common branding mistakes new business owners make, and how to develop a brand strategy for your farmers market business. This week's episode is made possible by support from Sticker Mule.
41:4423/08/2021
Basic marketing for farmers market operators
If you build it they will come. But if you tell them where you built it, chances are more people will show up! This week on Tent Talk we're going back to the basics on farmers market marketing. A combination of social media, email newsletters, print advertising, and community engagement can drive excitement about and attendance at your weekly farmers market. This week's episode is made possible by support from InTents: the Farmers Market Conference. Join us March 7-9, 2022, in San Diego, California! Register today at FarmersMarketPros.com!
37:3916/08/2021
Dianna Rose on bringing food sovereignty to Queens, New York
This week on Tent Talk we're joined by sustainability expert, educator and social entrepreneur Dianna Rose. In addition to running her own zero-waste catering company, Jars of Delight, Dianna founded the only farmers market in Queens, New York! Sovereign Markets, brings food equity to New York City’s Queens communities, while amplifying local businesses and culture. Tune in to hear how Dianna is growing her urban farmers market, fostering social enterprise and creating food sovereignty in her hometown. This week's episode is made possible by support from MarketLink.
58:5109/08/2021
Re-establishing farmers market operations systems and protocols
This week we discuss how to re-establish farmers market systems and protocols that were modified or may have fallen by the wayside as market managers were focused on enforcing COVID regulations. Now that many markets have moved away from density limits, social distancing, and mask enforcement, it’s time to reinstate some standard farmers market systems and ways of doing things that we abandoned during the insanity of the last year and a half! This week's episode is made possible by support from Vendor-101.
44:0102/08/2021
Farmers market contingency plans for extreme environmental challenges
Across the country we're seeing record-breaking heatwaves, summer downpours and an early start to fire season. As extreme weather becomes more and more common, farmers market operators have to get creative and develop contingency plans to keep their farmers market up and running while also keeping their farmers, vendors and shoppers safe. In this episode we discuss how to handle inclement weather and other environmental issues that impact your outdoor farmers market. This week's episode is made possible by support from Campbell Risk Management.
45:5626/07/2021
Gear up for National Farmers Market Week 2021
It's almost that time again! National Farmers Market Week 2021 is coming up in just a couple weeks. Since last year most market managers were barred from doing anything fun at farmers markets, this year we are going to make National Farmers Market Week extra extra special! Tune in to hear Catt, Brijet and Justine share various ways you can get your whole community involved in the festivities. This week's episode is made possible by support from the Farmers Market Coalition.
36:0819/07/2021
Shiny Flanary on managing farmers markets that center BIPOC vendors and shoppers
There’s a lot of talk among farmers market operators about how to bring diversity, equity and inclusion into the farmers market space, and a lot of confusion about how to do that. This week on Tent Talk we dive deep into this topic with our guest Shiny Flanary, a Black, queer farmer at Scrapberry Farm, the Director of Markets at Black Food Sovereignty Coalition and the founder and manager of Come Thru Market, a Black and Indigenous market in Portland, Oregon. In this episode Shiny shares how and why she launched a BIPOC market and provides a treasure trove of practical ways to make farmers markets a space for everyone. This week's episode is made possible by support from EcoFarm.
01:00:0512/07/2021
Kendall Ballantine on growing your farmers market business online
Our guest this week is Kendall Ballantine, farmer and owner of Central Park Farms in British Columbia, Canada. Kendall is a first-generation farmer who has built a devoted customer base through a combination of farmers market hustling and effective digital marketing. In addition to raising livestock full-time, Kendall shares her digital marketing expertise via Instagram, group coaching and online workshops. In this episode we chat about the cross promotional opportunities the farmers market provides and how to connect with your target customers online. This week's episode is make possible by support from Vendor-101.
53:2505/07/2021
Saying goodbye to a farmers market vendor
Farmers markets are like big families and occasionally you have to say goodbye to a loved one. It's not only a difficult situation for your market staff and vendors, but it can be confusing and sad for shoppers as well. This week on Tent Talk we discuss what happens when a farmers market vendor moves on or passes away and how to support your farmers market community through sad goodbyes. This week's episode is make possible by support from the Farmers Market Coalition.
31:2628/06/2021
Sasha Grumman on taking the leap from executive chef to farmers market vendor
It isn't often that we get to chat with reality television stars, so we were very excited when we found out that Top Chef Season 18 contestant Sasha Grumman had launched her new business at farmers markets in Houston! This week on Tent Talk, we learn all about Sasha’s Focaccia (what a perfect name!) and what it's like to transition from back of house to front of tent. She also shares her 2 year, 5 year and 10 year plan and the logic behind using the farmers market as a launching pad for her new food brand. Tune in to hear Sasha's story––don't worry, no Top Chef spoilers! This week's episode is made possible by support from Food Business Success.
38:3321/06/2021
Christine Farren on adapting farmers markets to the newest version of the new normal
This week on Tent Talk we check in with Christine Farren, Executive Director of CUESA (operators of the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market since 1999). We spoke with Christine back in April of 2020 as farmers markets around the country were scrambling to stay open under the threat of a public health emergency. After a year of running a curated market box and pick-up service, CUESA is evolving and adapting their market box program to better serve their shoppers, vendors and farmers market community. Listen in to hear how Christine and her team are boldly moving their market forward! This week's episode is made possible by support from Campbell Risk Management.
54:4314/06/2021
Megan Harris on managing a small rural farmers market
Farmers markets come in all different shapes and sizes, depending on the communities they serve. Some are big, some are small, some urban, some rural, some seasonal and some year round! This week our guest is Megan Harris, market manager for the Downtown South Boston Farmers Market in Virginia. Megan started her farmers market journey as a farmer and vendor, but now she is a full-time market manager and feels like she's found her true calling in life! In this episode we learn about what it's like for Megan managing a smaller market in a rural area. While some rules and regulations differ based on locality, many of the realities of farmers market life are universal! This week's episode is made possible by support from Vendor-101.
42:3907/06/2021
Darlene Wolnik on supporting farmers markets through the good times and the bad
Our guest this week is Darlene Wolnik, Farmers Market Support Program Director at the national Farmers Market Coalition and official farmers market Data Wizard! Darlene has worked with FMC since its inception and currently oversees market support projects including network facilitation, development of the farm-direct portion of the GusNIP Hub, Farmers Market Metrics data collection and evaluation resources, and risk management tools including the Farmers Market Legal Toolkit. In this episode Darlene shares her 20+ years of experience supporting farmers markets through the best of times and the toughest of times. This week's episode is made possible by support from Nutrition Incentive Hub.
42:0831/05/2021
Expert advice for new farmers market managers
This week our show is all about hard-learned market manager lessons and what we would tell ourselves if we could travel back in time! With new markets opening and new market managers on-boarding all over the country, we’re sharing advice for new market managers, and managers navigating new market conditions with tips from our Farmers Market Pros Facebook community. We also have exciting news about InTents: the Farmers Market Conference 2022! This week's episode is made possible by support from MarketWurks.
54:1724/05/2021
Michael Kilpatrick on teaching farmers to increase production and farmers market sales
This week we welcome farmer and educator Michael Kilpatrick as our Tent Talk guest! After blowing us away with his jam-packed presentation at InTents: the Farmers Market Conference 2021, we had to have him on the show to hear more about his farm education projects Growing Farmers, Small Farm University and the Thriving Farmers podcast and online forum! With years of experience under his belt as an educator and consultant as well as farmer selling at farmers markets, and a stint as a market manager, Michael has tons helpful info to share! Tune in to hear us chat about how to increase your production and make a comfortable living selling at the farmers market. This week's episode is made possible by support from American Farmland Trust.
56:0717/05/2021
Heidi Anderson on attracting devoted shoppers through value-based marketing
The last year has really turned farmers market marketing on it's head. Though we still want to draw shoppers to our markets, attracting large numbers of visitors is not currently ideal. This week on Tent Talk we speak with Heidi Anderson, Co-Founder and CEO of theFarmBoard, about developing a value-based marketing strategy for your farmers market business. Heidi shares ways to develop loyal customers who actually shop at the farmers market. She also explains how her app theFarmBoard helps farmers and market managers reach their target customers. This week's episode is made possible by support from Blue Owl Promos.
39:1610/05/2021
Kathy Newsom on balancing market budgets with fundraising programs
It's time to put the FUN in fundraising! This week on Tent Talk we chat with Kathy Newsom, Market Coordinator for The Corner Farmers Market in Greensboro, North Carolina about the innovative fundraising programs she uses to balance her market's budget. Thanks in part to their robust market sustainers program, The Corner Market has been able to implement pre-order and pick up services for the last year as well as and support a paid market staff. Fundraising is no easy feat, but Kathy has lots of great advice and creative ways to gain financial support from community members, vendors, followers and local businesses! This week's episode is made possible by support from WhatsGood.
42:1903/05/2021
Christopher Hudson on building your brand by being yourself
Our guest this week is Christopher Hudson, owner and operator of Benny Blanco Tortillas, which has become a main attraction at the Gilbert Farmers Market in the Phoenix, Arizona area. Prior to working as a vendor, Christopher was an avid farmers market shopper. When his favorite tortilla seller put his business up for sale, Christopher leapt at the opportunity and purchased it! 3 years later, Benny Blanco has a devoted farmers market following and continues to sell out week after week, no matter how many tortillas they produce. Christopher’s customers keep coming back for his delicious product and his great sense of humor! This week's episode is made possible by support from Blue Owl Promos.
50:0926/04/2021
Getting prepped for the start of farmers market season
Spring has sprung and markets across the country are opening for the season! In a normal year there's a lot that goes into prepping for a new market season, so with COVID-19 restrictions still in place in most areas, there's even more work to be done. We received lots of comments and messages from market managers in on our Farmers Market Pros community about some of the challenges they are facing reopening on-site markets after a long, strange year. Listen along to hear Catt, Brijet and Justine chat about getting your market staff, vendors and shoppers prepped for opening day! This week's episode is made possible by support from MarketWurks.
40:3519/04/2021
Cynthia Wallesz on strategic planning for your market and your business
This week we're joined by fisherman, farmers market vendor and consultant, Cynthia Wallesz. When she's not in Alaska harvesting and processing wild salmon, Cynthia is in Idaho, selling her fish at the Boise Farmers Market and providing consulting services to farmers market managers and foodmakers. In this episode we hear all about the impact COVID-19 had on this year's fishing season, how Cynthia balances her busy market life schedule, and the importance of establishing clear values and mission statement for your farmers market business. This week's episode is made possible by support from Loco Canopies.
44:3312/04/2021
Nathan Macaulay on how the biggest little farm has adjusted and adapted this last year
Last time we heard from Nathan Macaulay, Director of Sales at Apricot Lane Farms, was at the 2020 InTents Conference (right before COVID-19 turned the world and farmers market operations upside down). Over the last year, Nathan and his team have adjusted and adapted, and this week on Tent Talk, he updates us on the goings on at Apricot Lane Farms. To learn more about this incredible biodynamic farm in Ventura, California, check out the film "The Biggest Little Farm" now available on Hulu! This week's episode is made possible by support from Local Food Marketplace.
28:5905/04/2021
Hannah Fuller on how to plan and execute a successful Instagram takeover
Our guest this week is Hannah Fuller, Communications Associate for the National Farmers Market Coalition. One of Hannah’s projects is the popular guest Instagram program where markets from throughout the country take over FMC’s account and provide new perspectives. In this episode Hannah explains the nuts and bolts of running an IG takeover and how online collaborations can amplify your farmers market's voice and expand your reach on social media.
40:2429/03/2021
Live from InTents: the Farmers Market Conference 2021
This week's episode of Tent Talk is a live recording from the very last session of InTents: The Farmers Market Conference 2021! Catt, Brjiet and Justine reflect on their favorite conference sessions, answer some questions from attendees, and unpack salient points made over the course of the four day virtual event. Tune for an #InTents2021 conference debrief!
46:2722/03/2021
Quick note from the Farmers Market Pros
This week we’re just doing a quick check-in to remind you that the Farmers Market Pros Team and 437 of their closest friends are hanging out live online right now at InTents, the Farmers Market Conference. We’ll be there March 15th through 18th sharing talks from experts and experienced farmers market professionals all week. If you’re not already there, it’s not too late to join us. Jump over to farmersmarketpros.com to register. Choose a Learn and Grow registration and if you’re joining us late you can access anything you’ve missed later this year. We’ll be back next week with a brand new episode of Tent Talk, the Farmers Market podcast. Thanks for listening!
01:5615/03/2021
Matt Sylvester on farming for markets vs. farming for CSA programs
This week our guest is farmer Matt Sylvester of Happy Acre Farm. Matt and his wife Helena farm on 2.5 acres in Alameda County, about 30 minutes outside of Oakland, California. Before starting his farm and selling his produce at farmers markets, Matt worked as a farmers market manager. But at the end of 2019 Happy Acre Farm transitioned away from farmers markets and now they focus their CSA program. In this episode we chat about the pros and cons of markets vs. CSA and get the inside scoop on what market managers can do to support their small farmers.
45:2108/03/2021
Catching up on news from our Farmers Market Pros community as the season changes
It's farmers market conference season, Spring is on its way, and it feels like there's a glimmer of light at the end of this long COVID-19 tunnel! But none of that changes the fact that farmers markets aren't going "back to normal" any time soon. On this week's episode of Tent Talk, we discuss how markets are feeling the impact of "pandemic fatigue," why there are currently so many farmers market job openings, and the exciting news about PPP loans for small businesses. Only 2 more weeks until the fifth annual InTents, the Farmers Market Conference, MARCH 15-18th, 2021! Tickets are still available, so register today. Enter TALK21 at checkout for a discount on your registration.
42:2801/03/2021
Sari Kimbell on finding success as a packaged food producer
Our guest this week is Sari Kimbell, market manager and CPG expert. Through her education and consulting service, Food Business Success, Sari helps packaged food vendors grow and succeed at farmers markets and beyond. In this episode we talk about steps food makers can take to build a solid foundation for growth, the perks of launching your product at the farmers market, and the importance of seeking expert advice when expanding your business. To find out more about Sari and her CPG coaching and Farmers Market Masterclass, visit https://www.foodbizsuccess.com.
46:3422/02/2021
Best of Tent Talk: Dr. Gail Myers on advocating for Black farmers
This week we’re revisiting our conversation with Dr. Gail Myers, Agri-Cultural Anthropologist and co-founder of Farms to Grow, Inc. In our interview we chat about the inspiration for Farms to Grow Inc., what it takes to run a community farmers market with a mission, and the importance of studying the history of our food systems. Dr. Myers and her team are currently wrapping up post production on a multimedia documentary that explores the history of Black farmers in the United States. Support her efforts during Black History Month by visiting https://www.rhythmsoftheland.com/ and donating to that project!
45:0015/02/2021
JM Fortier on growing farmers and maximizing markets
It's been a minute since we've had a farmer on Tent Talk, so we were thrilled to be able to speak with JM Fortier, the author of the international best seller The Market Gardener, creator of The Market Gardener’s Masterclass, and now publisher! In this episode we geek out about our love for farmers markets and the community they build and JM shares how markets played an integral role in launching his career and growing his farms. He also gives us the inside scoop on his latest ventures into magazine publishing and designing tools and workwear for farmers. Visit growers.co to find out more about JM's exciting new project.
49:1708/02/2021
Ellen Rawley on increasing farmers market sales through value added products
Value added products aren't just fun for farmers market shoppers, they're extremely beneficial for farmers, ranchers and beekeepers looking reduce waste, increase their bottom line and expand their product offerings throughout the year. Our guest this week is value added expert Ellen Rawley who enlightened us on why value added products can be so helpful for farmers and changed our perception of what "value added" even means! She also walked us through the requirements for the USDA's Value Added Producer Grant (applications due March 22nd) which she dives deeper into in her Grant Writing Mentorship program. To find out more about the USDA Value Added Producer Grant visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/value-added-producer-grants and https://www.ellenrawley.com/vapgreplay.
38:5501/02/2021