Vancouver Food Network

With two main goals - to promote small farms and improve access to good nutrition - the Washington State Farmer's Market Association (WFMA) is one of the most important resources for sustainable nutrition in the state. With over a hundred member markets, WFMA's vision is "a thriving and sustainable farmers market within reach of every resident." Central to this are what it calls "roots guidelines," to emphasize honest, small-scale production.

WFMA's "Roots Guidelines" for Vendors

WFMA's "roots guidelines" strengthen local, sustainable economics in several ways. First, they focus close to home, requiring products be from Washington or an adjacent county. This gives smaller producers a venue for ripe and flavorful produce that cannot be dominated by imports from distant, corporate farms. Secondly, they provide key distinctions between vendors which also promote local, value-added production. Vendors are divided into six types in two categories. WFMA also inspects and patrols markets to make sure that everyone is playing by the same rules.

WFMA Producers: Farmers, Processors, Local Resellers

One of the key problems facing local farmers worldwide is, of course, the dominance of "agribusiness," large corporate farms which can afford to ship produce all over the country (and indeed the world), taking advantage of warmer climates and two hemispheres to create the illusion that all foods can be sustainably grown year-around. Given that these growers dominate the retail food system, WFMA seeks to provide incentives for vendors to sell things grown in Washington state, preferably on land they lease or own locally. Folks who grow the stuff themselves are "farmers," while "processors" are those folks here in Washington who process such foods locally into baked goods, salsa, jams or other products such as smoked meats. "Resellers" are folks who distribute and bring to market foods grown in Washington or adjacent counties exclusively, serving as the single step between producers themselves and the consumer, without importing foods through other channels. This focus on immediate and local producers ensures that maximum value stays in the local economy, promoting economic development by maximizing local production and minimizing imports. Because dollars stay in the local economy, jobs and value stay as close to the land as possible.

Other Vendors: Local Crafters, Concessionaires, Others

"Crafters," according to WFMA guidelines, are those who use their own hands and skill to produce products, using "skills, personal handling and guidance by the crafter." Artisans should produce these goods themselves, and use of local materials from Washington state is encouraged. Woodworkers, potters and textile artists are all examples of crafters under the WFMA guidelines. "Concessionaires" provide prepared foods at WFMA markets and are "encouraged to provide a good variety of healthy foods," with an emphasis on local ingredients. "Miscellaneous" vendors are those who do not fit into (or violate) the other five categories, such as service businesses or non-profit organizations.

WFMA Markets in Clark County

In Clark County there are two farmer's markets who abide by and are members of the Washington State Farmer's Market Association. Both the Camas and Battle Ground Farmers' Markets are members of WFMA. Vancouver Farmer's Market is not.

For More Information

• http://www.wafarmersmarkets.com/aboutus.html
• http://www.wafarmersmarkets.com/resources/wsfma-Rootsmemberguidelines.html
• 2004 WSU Farmers Market Manual
• http://www.wafarmersmarkets.com/washingtonfarmersmarketdirectory.html
• "When Things Don’t Work: Some Insights into Why Farmers’ Markets Close." Oregon State University Extension Service, Special Report 1073-E, Originally published December 2006 and revised July 2008.