Farmer Recruitment » Blog Archive » I have been organizing farmers markets since 1991, and I realize that what works for one market may not work for each situation. Markets in rural settings are quite different from those set up in suburban or urban locations. One thing is certain though recruiting takes a lot of work and one needs to persevere. Finding vendors can be a real challenge. One of the best places to recruit starts with the local Cornell Coopertive Extension Agencies in your area. They hold many meetings during the winter and summer with farmers and are aware of farmers looking to diversify and perhpaps try retail marketing. Visit with your agents and let them know you are looking for vendors. Go to one of the farmer meetings and before hand ask to speak for a few minutes before the meeting begins. Be prepared to answer questions about the location of your market, who is supporting your effort and if you have been operating for a number of years, how successful have you been in attracting shoppers.