Study Reveals Key Insights into Farmers' Market Operations

​Parks and Recreation to Evaluate Implementation of Recommended Changes

​The Board of Park Commissioners at their Oct. 15 meeting heard a presentation by Zionsville, Ind.-based consultant Zec Eight Insights, who highlighted the results of the summer 2024 evaluation of the Bloomington Community Farmers' Market.

The Park Board at their Jan. 23 meeting approved a contract with Zec Eight Insights to conduct the Farmers' Market study for a total cost of $20,000.

The year 2024 marked the 50th season of the city's Farmers' Market, making it a fitting moment to conduct a comprehensive review of Market operations. This milestone, combined with the lasting effects of the 2019 vendor controversy, the post-COVID era's impact on food production and sales, and evolving farmers' market trends, made it an ideal time for this study.

The BCFM Evaluation Study resulted in eight foundational recommendations for the Farmers' Market, including improving communication, clarifying the role of the Farmers' Market Advisory Council, supporting Market staff through training in market operations, and evaluating the fee structure and selection process for Market vendors.

Austin Hochstetler of Zec Eight Insights said the firm reviewed customer and vendor information from previous Markets, benchmarked the Farmers' Market against other farmers' markets of similar size, held in-person interviews with community partners and current and past Market vendors, and conducted an online survey of Market customers.

"The Bloomington Community Farmers' Market is well supported by avid users," Hochstetler said in his report to the Park Board. "With local co-ops, food stops, and other farmers' markets in the Bloomington area, we found that vendors and customers desire to see the Bloomington Community Farmers' Market position itself as the epicenter for the local food economy." 

Parks and Recreation staff continue to evaluate the report and to strategize action steps and future plans for the Market in the 2025 season.

For more information about the Bloomington Community Farmers' Market, including the upcoming November Market at Switchyard Park and Holiday Market at City Hall, contact Clarence Boone, Farmers' Market Coordinator or call 812-349-3738.