Skip to Main Content

Idaho State University

Starting A Farmer’s Market Business

Description Registration

This section of courses is intended to provided needed information to those looking to enter the Farmer’s Market Space.


Section 1- Farmers Market Foundations: Setting up for Success
Discover how farmers markets offer a unique, affordable way to connect with your local community and build a customer base through personal, one-on-one interactions. In this class, we will guide you in turning your passion—whether growing, baking, crafting, cooking, or creating—into a thriving farmers market business. We will tackle essential questions: Is your product profitable? What business structure best fits your needs? You’ll learn about the necessary permits, licenses, and insurance for food businesses, as well as tips for handling market applications, basic bookkeeping, and staying organized. We’ll also cover market etiquette, including the unwritten rules and common practices that can help you succeed in any market setting.

Section 2- Mastering Farmers Market Success: Design, Pricing, and Sales
Farmers Markets are a different type of selling in the world of selling. Marketing is everything and everything is marketing. Learn to setup and design displays in your booth including signage, tents, tablecloths, and tables. Pricing your products, how to calculate the cost of the product, the market fees, business costs, labor and packaging into a good price point. Salesmanship is also marketing. Present yourself professionally and watch the profits go up.

Section 3- Beyond the Booth: Strategies for Year-Round Farmers Market Success
You have taken the first steps as a vendor—now, what’s next? This course helps you evaluate your current approach and identify areas for growth to boost your return on investment. Learn strategies to sustain momentum, make necessary changes, and increase sales, even if you’re experiencing a slowdown. Discover opportunities for off-season selling and explore how building a customer database can keep you connected with your audience year-round, ensuring you start the next season with a run and not a crawl.

Section 4- Rules for Food Sales
Learn the rules and regulations surround food sales at the local farmers market.