Farmer’s market managers: Find vendors with online MarketMaker
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EmailFarmer’s market managers can identify local farmers and food producers by using online MarketMaker.
Farmer’s market managers can identify local farmers and food producers by using online MarketMaker.
A sure sign of spring is the call for farmers from farmer’s market all over Michigan. One way to identify possible vendors is to use the MarketMaker “find a business” tool. For example, a search for vegetable producers within 20 miles of Greenville, Michigan yields eight farms. Farm operators can be approached about their interest in the market.
MarketMaker is a web-based resource that provides links between producers, processors, wholesalers, retailers, farmers markets, food service providers, and end- use consumers within the food supply chain. The site is free and available to all producers and consumers.
Farmer’s markets may also be set up in MarketMaker. From the website, farmer’s market managers can easily create profiles with location, web site, contact information and produce available. The site’s mapping and directional tools enable customers to easily find the market.
Using the business connection feature, market managers and vendors can link with one another and other organizations that have also developed Market Maker profiles, including grocery stores, restaurants and schools. The link serves the mutual benefit of identifying users of local food sources.
For more information on MarketMaker, or food, agriculture, bio economy and natural resources business development, contact the Michigan State University Extension Product Center at www.productcenter.msu.edu or 517-432-8750.
