Meet the Member M
Q: What is the outlook for your business and industry? A: Minnesota now has over 350 farmers markets, with even more starting up in 2022! Certainly some of this growth is attached to the food shortages that COVID-19 highlighted in long-supply food chains. Many Minnesota farmers markets, with our short-supply chain (farmer directly to customer), actually saw growth in 2020 and 2021. This year alone we had over 120 applications to sell at the market. As Minnesota’s farmers market community continues to grow, we see more Minnesotans starting small farms and food businesses than ever before. Key word, small. Farmers markets are known as small food business incubators with our low entry cost to get into sales and test new products, so we’re a great stepping stone for people looking to start food businesses that are still in the early stages. It’s very exciting and rewarding to be able to help support these budding businesses while keeping it all local.
helped with the huge success we had that day! I also love being able to attend the various networking events that the Chamber puts on. We are always actively searching for business partnerships to help support our programming, and it helps to have a resource like the Chamber to help initiate opportunities for me to connect with potential sponsors. Q: What is a unique fact people should know about the Rochester Farmers Market? A: The Power of Produce (PoP) program is a farmers market initiative that promotes healthy eating and local agriculture for young people by empowering them to choose their own fresh produce. All kids 4-12 years-of-age are eligible to receive $2 in tokens each week to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs at the farmers market. The PoP program connects all ages to local agriculture, gets them excited about produce, and transforms the farmers market into a family affair. You can be a Power of Produce (PoP) sponsor! We are looking for community members to help strengthen and build our PoP Club program. Email rochfarmmkt@gmail.com or call 507-273-8232 for more information!
The Rochester Farmers Market takes place on Saturday’s from 7:30am-12:00pm at Graham Park in Rochester, MN.
The Rochester Farmers Market provides small, local farms with an opportunity to sell their locally grown produce.
Advantage Magazine | 11
May 2022
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