The Farmers’ Market Workgroup aims to support and strengthen farmers' markets and the organizations that manage them. As vital contributors to vibrant communities and a unique link between local agriculture and the public, farmers’ markets play an essential role in connecting residents with fresh food, local producers, and regional economies. The workgroup focuses on improving market sustainability, farmer participation, and food access while addressing shared needs related to infrastructure, operations, professional development, and policy alignment. The workgroup meets regularly to foster dialogue, build alignment around shared goals, and develop collaborative solutions, with a particular focus on advancing the recommendations outlined in the Direct-to-Consumer & Consumer Education brief of the NH Food and Agriculture Strategic Plan.
This workgroup is led by:
- Shawn Menard, Executive Director, Seacoast Eat Local
- Jada Lindblom, State Specialist, Community and Economic Development, UNH Cooperative Extension
The Farmers' Market workgroup launched in March 2026 and meets monthly on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 1pm. If you are interested in joining this workgroup, please fill out the form linked below.
Workgroup Updates
UNH Extension, partnered with the Farmers’ Market Workgroup, to create a resource-driven market development program for direct-to-consumer farms and market operators. Funded by a USDA Rural Business Development Grant, UNH Extension's Food & Agriculture and Community & Economic Development teams are working alongside the Farmers' Market Workgroup to create an online resource hub for NH agritourism and farmers’ market operators, covering topics like marketing, collective promotion, and laws and regulations, as well as provide in-person, peer-to-peer networking and educational opportunities. The team is currently seeking workshop planning feedback from farmers, market managers, and others who support direct-to-consumer farm sales in this brief survey.
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