Lots of communities have them, most wanted them and all need them; a farmer’s market that is. Want to organize one in your community? Well, that’s just what Kit Bruce was able to do in Port Royal, South Carolina. Its success has led to more community involvement and should be a template to follow for anyone interested in a worthwhile endeavor. In this interview, Kit will give us the insight into organizing and running Port Royal’s successful farmer’s market.

CN: What inspired you to organize a farmer’s market in Port Royal?

KB: I wanted fresh, LOCAL produce and local produce wasn’t available at any grocery store in the area. Also, I wanted to help farmers keep their lands by providing them a place to sell their goods, in turn, this would allow them to keep their farmlands and save it from development. It was a win, win situation.

CN: What was the process for starting this particular farmer’s market? What other factors were there to consider such as vendor criteria and operations expense?

KB: The process started by me going to the local Port Royal Town Council Meeting and presenting my idea of a need for a farmer’s market within Port Royal’s Community. They agreed it was worth supporting and they agreed to underwrite it for a year pending its performance. After having a commitment from willing farmers, securing a site was the next step in making this all happen. My advice is to look for a spot that has good visibility, plentiful parking, easy access, water, public restrooms and possibly electricity. Other operational costs were incurred at the beginning such as advertising, tents, port-o-lets and electricity. There also had to be certain criteria put into place for vendors such as what they would be allowed to sell. We decided farmers/sellers must have grown 50% of their produce (if not all) and the other 50% would have to come from within the state of SC. They can display organic produce but it must be Organic Certification, which takes 3 years to achieve. And if they don’t grow their produce, they must let customers know where it’s from in SC.

Once all this was secured, the fun began. The Farmer’s Market’s success has created a paid managerial position and an on-going, self-sustaining market.

CN: What challenges did you face in the beginning? Have any new challenges arisen?

KB: As with any new venture, there are always challenges. The greatest challenge we faced was deciding whether to be strictly a grower’s market or to allow artisans display their work and/or crafts. Because of the vendor criteria we set, qualifications for becoming a vendor were limited but we wanted to stay true to the original concept. Another challenge was finding farmers and convincing them this was a viable cause. It can be costly if they aren’t able to sell a majority of their goods, so making sure it was well attended with produce buyers was key.

CN: What tips can you give anyone interested in creating a farmer’s market in their community?

KB: Make sure you have a dedicated manager that can eventually be compensated because it’s a time-consuming endeavor. Also, have an 8 week commitment from every farmer so they can get the feel for sales and the benefits the market will bring to them. And most importantly, keep life in the event by allowing growth. Don’t be afraid of change in order to keep things fresh.

CN: Any other general comments regarding the Port Royal Farmer’s Market and its success?

KB: I’m thrilled The Port Royal Farmer’s Market has become a meeting place for the community. We now have children’s programs; the Humane Society brings animals for adoption (which the children really love), live music; and we now accept food stamps & WIC (Women Infants & Children) coupons. I send out a weekly news blast so people can follow the schedule of participating vendors and activities. Overall, it’s been a rewarding project and I would recommend anyone interested in starting something like this in his or her community, to start by contacting your local (town or city) officials and presenting them with a plan.

Check out the Port Royal Farmer’s Market website or on Facebook – at Port Royal Farmer’s Market.

Have you dreamed of starting a Farmer’s Market in your community?  What items do you shop for at your market? Organic veggies for the perfect dinner or to give as an organic gift?

Please share your thoughts on Farmer’s Markets and what you love about them.  Comment  below.