Employers

Farmers market managers and promoters work for farmers markets. They may work for a single-business operation, and therefore be located at just one site, or they may be responsible for several farmers markets or more within one or more counties. Many farmers markets are only open in the spring, summer, and fall in states with colder weather. Year-round markets are generally found in the southeast and southwest United States and on the West Coast.  

Starting Out

Volunteering or working part time at a farmers market is the best way to see firsthand how a market operates and what managers deal with on a regular basis. Membership in a professional association for farmers market managers also provides access to educational workshops, events and conferences, networking opportunities, and job listings. You can find such resources by visiting the Web site of NAFDMA (https://nafdma.com), or by conducting an Internet search for a professional association in the state in which you live.

Moving up in the farmers market management field depends on the managers level of experience. Those who work for small, single-market operations can advance by covering more markets within several counties or regions. Other ways to advance include starting their own farmers market and consulting with other markets about business and promotion. They might become educators, working for universities that have farmers market programs. They might also work for nonprofit organizations or government agencies that focus on farming and farmers markets.

Visit https://farmersmarketcoalition.org/state-map for a list of state-level farmers market associations.

Conduct information interviews with farmers’ market managers and promoters and ask them for advice on preparing for and entering the field.

Use social media such as LinkedIn and Twitter to stay up to date on industry developments and learn about job openings.