Every month we get about a dozen enquiries from producers, groups and other individuals that want to know about how to start a farmers market.

Nothing of course beats researching the local marketplace thoroughly, assessing demand for produce and supply (ie stalls) available. However, there are a few resources out there that can be very helpful indeed.

What are the structural options?
Most farmers markets in Ireland are organised in one of the following four ways:

• Privately, an individual or individuals come together to set up a market with the aim of making a living out of organising it by charging a commercial rent to stallholders

Examples of markets organised this way are Naas, run by Siobhán Popplewell and the increasing number of markets run by Sean McArdle in and around Dublin and the East. Both these people are worth talking to as they have good practical experience.

• Public markets operated by a local authority

The best example of this is Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Council who run three markets and now have permanent banners throughout the area promoting them. Most councils have yet to wake up to the value of markets to local enterprises and people so these guys are out on their own at the moment.

• Co-operatively run or community based markets

Run by a group of producers or a community organisation on a not for profit basis, a good model if you are intending to seek outside support, financial or otherwise

• Country Markets Limited operated markets

These are the old ICA model of market and have a lot to commend them but it can be a lengthy process to adapt to procedures and start a new market. Some are very dynamic and close to the new model of farmers market, others are more socially orientated, but all are a great way to meet local people and sample their produce

What should I do first?
There is no substitute for shoeleather! Get up, get out and visit as many markets as possible. Talk to the organisers and the stallholders about their experience and expectations. For markets within a 50 mile radius of your proposed location take careful notes on:

• Stallholders that might be interested in participating
• The days of the week they are available or would prefer
• The timing of markets close to your site - you want to complement their presence not divide the stallholders and customers between two locations on one day
• The products that sell best

What are the critical success factors?

• Getting enough regular stallholders with a broad range of produce, 12 or more regular stalls, 2 vegetable, 1 meat and 1 cheese are regarded as anchor stalls
• Finding a central site with high visibility and passing traffic
• Doing enough marketing and publicity to get a good flow of customers (most people underestimate this)
• Having permanent and good signs - and the key to this is a positive relationship with the local council and particularly the Town Clerk
• Good parking and access for stalholder vehicles
• Water and electricity available onsite (or through generators)
• Listening to customers and adapting to their needs

Who can help?
In many areas LEADER companies are taking a role in developing and promoting markets and may already have a group of food producers collaborating together in other ways. To find your local LEADER company check www.ilsu.ie/ or Isobel Fletcher the small food producers co-ordinator on 029 60633.

The Irish Food Markets Trader's Association is also an invaluable resource - email them or check out Caroline Robinson's Tips for a successful food market

Good luck, and remember to let us know about new markets and changes to current times and arrangements - preferably via email .

About Irish Food Market Traders Assoc - Want to start a market? - Cheese Regulations - Submit market listings - Hygiene Regulation Compliance - Insurance - Tips for a successful food market - Where to buy equipment - When the EHO calls.... - Getting to sell at a market - Market Rights