PDF Best Practices for Sampling at Farmers Markets

Best Practices for Sampling at

Farmers Markets

A Practical Guide for Farmers Market Vendors

AEC-2012-19

Copyright information October 2012 Agricultural Economics--Extension Publication No. 2012-19 Written by Timothy Woods and Miranda Hileman Department of Agricultural Economics University of Kentucky For questions regarding the guide, data analysis, survey instruments, and resources, please contact Timothy Woods at tim.woods@uky.edu.

Front cover picture: 2012 Grand Opening at the Jackson County Farmers Market in Tyner, Kentucky. Courtesy of Sharon Spencer.

2

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements.............................................................4 Key Findings..........................................................................7 Why Sampling?...............................................................8 Growth in Direct Markets...................................................9 What is Sampling?............................................................13 1. Patron Perspectives......................................................14 2. Benefits of Sampling....................................................26 3. Sampling Venues..........................................................27 4. Tips for Sampling Correctly.........................................37 5. Best Practices for Sampling.........................................43 6. Farmers Market Vendor FAQs....................................45 Conclusions.........................................................................48 Appendix A: Resources....................................................49 Appendix B: UK Sampling Projects.................................51 Appendix C: References...................................................56

Steamed cabbage sample at the 2012 Grand Opening of the Jackson County Farmers Market.

3

Acknowledgements

This 2011 Regional Farm Market Sampling study was made possible through the generous support of the USDA Federal State Market Improvement Program (FSMIP). We would also like to thank the Kentucky Farmers' Market Association, the Kentucky Governor's Office Of Agricultural Policy, and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture for their support and enthusiasm for this project since we began discussing it. Many Kentucky producers, University of Kentucky Extension staff, retailers, and market patrons contributed significantly to this project. Sharon Spencer with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture was particularly generous with reviews of earlier drafts and shared insight from the Kentucky Farmers' Market Manual ? an excellent stand-alone resource for all things related to farm markets. Sierra Enlow, Kevin Heidemann, Miranda Hileman, Sara Williamson, and Bruce (Shang-Ho) Yang in the University of Kentucky Agricultural Economics Extension program provided significant contributions to the survey work, data analysis, and writing of various portions of this manual. Liz Herndon, Lindsey Mayes, Laura Stephenson, and Tammy Stephenson from the University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences Extension program were very helpful as well. The University of Kentucky Food Systems Innovation Center assisted with the survey logistics and continues to provide food producers with excellent guidance on the diverse issues of food safety and quality assurance.

4

A very special thank you to all the farmers, farmers market vendors, and extension professionals that provided us with personal time to talk about sampling during their busy market day. Their input has been invaluable to this practical guide:

Ayres Family Orchard, Larry Ayres and Linda Winkle Berries on Bryan Station, Erik and Grant Walles Boone County Extension Office, Coy Wilson and Diane Mason Catalpa Acres Farm, Stephanie and Scott Kimberlin Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, Debra Clouthier Franklin County Extension Office, Kim Cowherd Good Foods Market and Caf?, Danielle Dove and Jackie Hansen Henkle's Herbs and Heirlooms, Mark and Velvet Henkle Hometown Farm and Creamery, Tracy and Mark Curtsinger Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Sharon Spencer Lakeview Farm, Maggie McGlasson Marlowe Granola, Sandra Marlowe McCracken County Extension Office, Denise Wooley Sanders and Company, LLC., Bill Sanders Screamin' Mimi's Salsa, Inc., Donna Madden Steve's Ready to Dip, Nancy Trevino Sweet Virginia's Homemade Treats, Virginia and Elsie Ewbank The Butter Factory, Inc., Solanke Bomani The Wholesome Chef, Carolyn Gilles

5

 ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download