supporting the Long-Term Sustainability of massachusetts farmers markets
Massachusetts farmers markets are a crucial part of the local food system. Farmers markets support farmers and small local businesses, provide access to fresh nutritious food, and serve as community hubs.
However, to use a phrase well known in the farmers market community, farmers markets don’t just happen. It requires the effort of many committed people and organizations to ensure that markets can operate smoothly, serve their community, and thrive over time. However, despite the dedication of market organizers, many farmers markets face challenges to their long-term sustainability. Funding and organizational difficulties can make it difficult for markets to fulfill their mission. And without a stable and robust organizing structure, markets face challenges that can ultimately lead to the closing of the market.
Mass Farmers Markets is committed to the long-term sustainability of Massachusetts farmers markets. In addition to providing support to help market organizers run farmers markets on a day-to-day basis, MFM is looking to understand the challenges facing the viability and robustness of farmers markets, and to provide suggestions and support to farmers market organizers and supporters on how they can best ensure that farmers market remain vibrant and resilient.
Long-Term Sustainability Survey
To better understand the challenges facing markets in the state, in 2024 Mass Farmers Markets and Heidi M. Mitchell Consulting conducted a study of Massachusetts farmers market organizers. Through a survey and in-depth interviews, the study outlined organizing models, assessed their capacity and resilience, and identified strategies to strengthen their long-term sustainability.
Among the study’s findings:
Only 16% of markets surveyed believed that their current organizing structure supports long-term sustainability
34% of markets surveyed report insufficient people or time to handle required tasks
62% or respondents say that inadequate organizer pay is a barrier to sustainability
56% of markets report insufficient volunteer resources
60% of markets cite financial challenges as a major concern
50% of markets rely on a small number of organizers and worry about the future of the market should those individuals leave
42% have well documented operating procedures