Are you are considering starting a new farmers market, but you have NO idea what you’re doing?
Do you already have a farmers market, but things just aren’t going quite right with it? Maybe you need assistance with your market manager, vendors, gathering metrics, community engagement or recruiting sponsors.
Have you considered doing a Pop-Up Event, but haven’t a clue where to start?
Does your market have food safety issues that need to be addressed by a professional?
Or maybe your vendors or your market manager are in need of technical assistance.
THERE IS HOPE!
With more than 14 ye
ars of farmers market management experience, RVAg’s Executive Director Lisa Dearden is well versed in all aspects of the farmers market arena. She has extensive experience in setting up farmers market from scratch, launching them, growing them and monitoring and developing them. Lisa has worked with several municipalities to develop and launch farmers markets, including the Chesterfield County Farmers Market and the Pearisburg Community Market. Her most recent market was developed as a result of a Virginia’s Government’s State Employee Wellness Initiative called “OnTheSquare”, and was a tremendous success by all measures. This market is Virginia’s only state sponsored farmers market.
We can assist you on-site or off-site, and we offer customized consulting packages to suit individual needs. Feel free to email us or give Lisa a call @ 804-314-9141.
When we had the vision to create a farmers market on our government complex, we had no idea the planning needed to get it up and running. Very lucky for us, we were able to connect with Lisa Dearden as our consultant. Her assistance was priceless! She was able to assist us with general information, vendor recruitment, resources and market layout, creation of rules & regulations and farmers market boards. Her assistance was invaluable and started us off on the right path. We are gearing up for our eighth season and thank Lisa every year for her expertise. ~ Lynne Wingfield – Employee Wellness Coordinator, Chesterfield Schools/Government
When Lisa worked with the town of Pearisburg with the planning of it’s farmers market, she was able to move into totally new situations on her own. She demonstrated a keen perception of things as they could be and worked as an agent to plan for and initiate opportunities and change. She was sensitive to people’s need for a supportive community which brought out creativity in others involved in the effort. ~ Pearisburg Community Market
