Farmers markets are one way to grow your farm business and generate income across Oregon. Buying and selling at farmers markets benefits both farmers and consumers: shoppers get fresh, local food while supporting small farms and local economies. Additionally, farmers markets serve as a great starting point to help farmers establish their businesses and eventually expand to other sales outlets.
What are SNAP and DUFB benefits?
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are widely used in most Oregon farmers markets, with participants using Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards — sometimes also called Oregon Trail Cards — to access these funds for food and groceries. SNAP benefits are available to individuals, who qualify based on their income and household size. Find more details in How to apply for SNAP benefits?
The Double Up Food Bucks Program (DUFB) works simultaneously with SNAP/EBT cards, giving SNAP customers a dollar-to-dollar match up to $20 every time they shop at the farmers market.
Resources and FAQs on accepting SNAP and DUFB benefits
Do vendors at farmers markets need to apply to accept SNAP and DUFB benefits?
Vendors can either apply through the market manager to become an authorized vendor or apply independently to be authorized for accepting SNAP benefits. Check the eligibility if your shop can apply separately by following the online application steps. For the DUFB program, vendors need to enroll through the farmers market if they are the participating market for Double Up Food Bucks Oregon Program.
How do I know what to do if my market already accepts these benefits?
Every market has a market manager or coordinator who oversees these programs, contacting them would be the first step to take with these questions and how it works. Farmers markets who accept SNAP benefits should provide training resources to help the vendors navigate the process.
What can I do to help my market start accepting these benefits?
As a vendor, you can advocate to the farmers market manager on how accepting SNAP and DUFB can benefit both vendors and market. You can always approach with resources such as the Farmers Market Coalition’s SNAP Guide or training materials from the Oregon Farmers Market Association. Offering to help organize a workshop based on your experience or connecting with another market accepting SNAP and DUFB benefits can be meaningful.
In general, by participating in programs like SNAP and DUFB, farmers markets strengthen the local food systems while ensuring accessible fresh food to the community. Additionally, farmers markets keep local food dollars circulating in the community, strengthening the local economy.
Practical tips for selling at farmers markets
Booth presentation
Presentation is a big part of any marketing strategy, and farmers markets are no different. There are several ways to make your farmers market booth look more appealing. Designing attractive displays, clear signage for your products, and some engaging handouts for customers such as recipes to make with your produce are great ways to connect with your customers. The Art & Science of Farmers Market Display goes over the tips and great details on farmers markets display.
Social media marketing strategies
Social media is a powerful tool to engage with your customers. Being active and posting regular updates about your farm, promoting your farmers market content, sharing stories about products are some good practices to promote your farmers market on social media. Social media can be used as a communication medium to engage and connect with your customers. Branding and marketing tips for coastal small farms is a great resource that dives into the details on how to make your farm stand out by using branding and marketing effectively.
Offering samples
Providing samples at your farmers market booth is a great strategy to attract customers. For instance, if you are selling unfamiliar or unique produce that customers may not be sure how to use, providing samples can help potential customers decide whether to make a purchase and make your shop stand out. It makes the shopping experience for customers interactive and enjoyable and builds a connection with vendors at the same time.
Digital payments
Accepting digital payments, such as credit cards, debit cards, and EBT cards allows customers to shop in a convenient way without having to remember to carry cash for the market. Select a POS machine that is suitable for your market, increases customer accessibility and boosts sales at the market.
Market timing
Wondering when farmers market vendor applications open? Most summer market applications open in January in Oregon. To get started, check the website of the market you're interested in for details and contacts. We’ve linked the markets currently accepting applications in coastal counties below.
- Artisan Faire at Salishan Marketplace (Lincoln City)
- Astoria Sunday Market
- Astoria Uppertown Farmers Market
- Cannon Beach Farmers Market
- Clatskanie Farmers Market
- Lincoln City Sunday Market
- Manzanita Farmers Market : priority application deadline April 1, however accepting applications until space is filled.
- Neskowin Farmers Market
- Newport Farmers Market
- Seaside Farmers Market
- Tillamook Farmers Market
- Toledo Waterfront Market
Additional resources
- Operating a Farmers Market Oregon Farmers Markets Association (OFMA)
- Earning Double Up at Participating Farmers Markets Double Up Food Bucks Oregon
- Tips for Selling at Farmers Markets ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program
