What is market governance
Posted on February 23rd, 2010, by admin
Hello…
Does anybody out there in farmers’ market land want to talk about issues related to market governance? I admit it’s not the most exciting topic going, but it can make a major difference in a market.
Just what is market goverance? According to the blog organizers at the Farmers’ Market Federation of New York who created this blog, market governance means:
- “governing bodies, such as boards of directors,
- their roles,
- the potential impact of their roles and,
- how they interact with the market’s manager, the market’s farmers and their consumers”.
So, some potential areas for discussion are:
- governing bodies–yes or no?
- if so, how large should they be?
- who should be on them?
- what are their roles?
- should they set wide guidelines and then keep their hands off the day-to-day operations?
- or should they be actively involved in market operations?
That’s it from me for now. I need to hear from you so we can get this blog rolling!
8 comments 
Category:
March 9th, 2010 at 5:28 pm
What is best? A governing body made up of only vendors or one that has community members mostly and very few vendors. Are their roles different?
March 12th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
Ideally, the governing body would have a mix, that is if by community members you mean customers.
Vendors need to listen to their customers to know how to please their customers. Having customers on the board provides that kind of information quickly.
However, customers need to understand market management from the vendors point of view as well. They need to realize we have “higher ups,” also known as the Department of Ag and Markets, Department of Health, etc. that control our actions.
If by community members you mean, CCE agents, elected officials, community organization members, I would be careful that there is a good balance of vendors and customers before adding representatives from these groups. Don’t get me wrong–reps from these groups can strengthen a market and bring a broad knowledge of resources to a governing group, but their agenda does not include making a living from the market as most vendors are needing to do. Our governing board has a CCE advisor. She is not an elected Board member; she is appointed. She helps us take a broader approach to issues and keeps us up-to-date with things we need to know.
One last point, it will never hurt to have an accountant on your board. He/she can keep you financially on a solid plane.
March 15th, 2010 at 9:17 am
Greetings,
We are starting a new market in Hartford NY. I have been a market manager for two years at a Market operating by a nursery. The new market in Hartford is being started by the Town Board but they do not wish to operate the market as part of the local government.
My question is do we need to incorporate or can we begin with a committee before spending the time and funds without knowing if there will be success.
I believe it is a good location and there is community suupport.
Thanks
Pat
March 16th, 2010 at 2:35 pm
I can understand why the Town Board wouldn’t want to administer it. They have enough to do! A committee is definitely the way to start because you can gage interest and support from potential vendors through one.
That said, my main concern would be liability insurance. Who would be liable if someone fell and was injured? We’ve had people trip over tent stakes and end up going to the emergency room. If the Town is willing to put the market on as a rider on the Town policy, you are covered. If not, you need to talk with an insurance company on what kind of structure, i.e. committee, board, incorporated group, whatever, they would cover.
This is liability insurance for people and vendors attending the market who might be injured while at the market. It is separate from product liability that every vendor should have on his or her products.
If you decide or when you decide to incorparate, many markets have been through the process and would probably be willing to share a copy of their articles of incorparation. It does take time that can be moved a little more quickly if you work with a lawyer who is familiar with the process. So ask around before you contract with one. If you need a lead on lawyers who have experience with market incorporation contact Cornell’s Farm Net. Cornell Cooperative Extension can give you a contact number.
April 28th, 2010 at 11:58 pm
Hello,
I am applying for permits to open a farmers market in a town that just lost its only grocery store.
I was asked what structure the market will function under. Right now I have core vendors and a small board of the same. I would like to be a non-profit in NY state (possibly fed 501C3 status) and would like to ask businesses to sponsor the market as well.
my questions:
May I begin without filing anything?
May I solicit donations without being a non-profit (yet)
What of the liability insurance restricting structure? I have heard nothing of this.
Thanks for your time and (hopefully) prompt response.
April 29th, 2010 at 10:43 pm
Carin, look for an answer to your question in the May posting. If you have other questions after reading it, please let me know.
June 23rd, 2010 at 3:21 pm
We have a year-round market hall in western Maryland that is in need of rejuvenation. As a place to start we would love to know how other markets work. Are any of you willing to share copies of your rules and regulations for market operation?
Thank you for allowing outsiders to play!
June 25th, 2010 at 6:56 am
Ann, The Adirondack Farmers’ Market Cooperative has their rules and regulations posted on their website under vendors so you can get a copy there. Howerver the website is under construction and the last time I checked it linked me to NY State Ag and Markets. I reported it and it should be corrected soon, if it hasn’t been already. Good luck with your rejuvenation.