Farmers’ Market a Success

Ag economic specialist seeks help for next season

By Margo Frink

(Hamilton – Nov. 10, 2009) This season was the first to offer shoppers EBT/Credit Card machines as payment options at the Hamilton Farmers’ Market. And according to Madison County Agriculture Economic Specialist Becca Jablonski, it was successful.

Jablonski provided the Hamilton Village Board, at its monthly meeting, an overview of the market and asked for some help with next year’s market.

“When EBT/ Credit Card machines are used at markets, sales generally go up the second and third year,” Jablonski said. “This passed my expectations.”

Jablonski said the Hamilton market took in $10,000 with the machine, $3, 000 EBT and $7,000 in credit card sales.

Thirty-two vendors signed up for the market. The credit card machine helped boost sales for meat vendors and produce vendors saw increases from EBT use. She said she received a lot of positive feedback but there are things that can be improved upon.

Madison County’s Cornell Cooperative Extension offered “a lot” of in kind work, she said. And they are willing to do it again next year. Jablonski said she also wants to stay involved in the market but said it was a lot of work making sure someone was there every week. She said she paid people a few times from her budget to go.

Jablonski suggested that the village help her solicit funding from local banks to raise $1,500 to pay someone to man the market for five hours every Saturday the market is open. Cooperative Extension would be the employer. She said volunteers will not be an option next year; she has already tried that route.

“You want us to solve the problems?” asked Trustee Carl Albrecht.

“I need help solving the problem,” Jablonski said. “I feel the market is an important thing to offer people. I’ve donated my Saturdays. I’m not dumping it on anyone. If we went to a few banks together we can get $500 from a few.”

Clerk/Treasurer Ronda Winn agreed that the market is a lot of work and said the village doesn’t have time to work it.

Jablonski suggested that when the survey to vendors is mailed out, that each is asked if they would be willing to pay a little money to help support the program.

Mayor Susanna McVaugh said next year will mark the 35^th year of the farmers’ market and it’s important to promote that. She said she would be more than happy to write a letter of support.

Jablonski was also looking for a place within the village to store tents and chair used at the market.

Margo Frink is an Editor for the Madison County Courier. She can be reached at Margo@m3pmedia.com.

Farmers’ Market a Success

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