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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 17 J U N E 2 9 , 2 0 1 5 than themselves. Also, sales from items derived from local plants or produce grown by the member can- not top 49% of sales. For example, a farmer selling apple bread must sell 51% or more of apples themselves, according to the market's website. Tierney says it's not easy to tell just how much money farmers make at the markets, because there are so many vari- ables in the products they sell and the cost to get to market. For a farmer, she says, time is the most important issue. "My farm is 1-1/2 hours away. So for me it's a 14-hour day," she says. If someone is in Yarmouth, she adds, you can subtract at least three hours from that. "But for us, it's definitely worth the effort. e sheer number of people who walk through the market is amaz- ing. We move quite a bit of product." She and her daughter go to three other markets a week, but the Portland Saturday market is the larg- est. Because of the way she packs and freezes her meats, if she has leftovers from Portland, she can sell them the next day at a Sunday farmers mar- ket. But Tierney says she usually sells most of what she brings. Some vendors sell their leftover goods wholesale after market, while others participate in gleaning programs that collect produce for the needy, such as the University of Maine's Cooperative Extension program. In her role as the association's chairperson, Tierney calls meetings, interacts with the city, is the point person for grants and chairs the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program/Electronic Benefit Transfer effort, where people on that program can buy wooden tokens to purchase goods. "We're always looking for funding or grants for it," she says of SNAP, which is expensive to run. SNAP's administration costs com- prise about $20,000 of the association's $50,000 annual budget, says treasurer Jaime Berhanu of Lalibela Farm, an organic Tempeh, vegetable and flower farm in Bowdoinham. But more farmers markets in the state have been accept- ing SNAP amid local efforts to improve nutrition for those who need assistance. e association pays the city a licensing fee for the market space, plus carries liability insurance for the entire market. Each vendor also needs to have liability insurance. Each farmer pays $100 to be a member, plus another $50 per mar- ket location, so someone who is at all three markets pays $250 total. While some farmers find all the preparation work and time away from their farm to sell at the markets too cumbersome, Berhanu says those who do come probably wouldn't be there if they weren't making a profit. "Farmers are very smart folks who tend to work very efficiently and don't have time to waste marketing where they are not making a profit," she notes. Diversifying members Carolyn Snell of Snell Family Farm, a flower and vegetable farm in Buxton, and membership coordinator for the association, is one such farmer. "e Portland Farmers' Market is a great way to connect with customers," says Snell, a fourth-generation farmer who specializes in flowers. e farm started in 1926 selling apples and poul- try, but later converted to flowers and vegetables. "People want high-quality flower and vegetable plants," she adds. She says the Portland market is the strictest in terms of what farmers are allowed to sell, and members want to keep it a farmers' rather than a craft market. Some of the artists and other vendors at the periphery of the mar- kets, notably the one at Monument Square, are not association members. Becoming a member requires that a farmer first apply, typically in January. Each application is screened, and the association holds a membership meet- ing the first Saturday of February to determine how many spaces will be added at the market. Typically, 90% of the previous year's members return. is year, only four new spots became available. e membership wanted more diversity, so from the 20 to 30 applications, it selected two mush- room vendors, as the market didn't have such sellers. Four of the newcomers sell on Wednesday and three on Saturday. It takes a two-thirds vote to get in. "Our market isn't inherently pro- tectionist," says Snell, responding to a question about whether the market tries to keep out vendors selling the same items as current members. "We only had room for four more, and we wanted more diversity." She explains that some small farms may not have enough volume for sales to last an entire day, or a farmer may not be a team player and isn't as likely to get in. About half of sellers at the market are organic producers, while the other half aren't. "e thing I like about the Portland Farmers' Market is that since the rules are strict to be a producer-based market, there are a lot of fresh, raw products, not just prepared products," Snell says. As one of five siblings and dad of four boys, Greg Dalton has been around kids all his life. This has taught him the importance of role models and relationships. Through waterskiing, kayaking, sailing, tennis, and noontime YMCA basketball, Greg has learned the value of team- work. When he's not working or engaged in sports, Greg might be leading a scout group, teaching a Sunday school class, or visiting a family in need. Whether it's a child, a bank team member, a community group, or a business, Greg enjoys helping people and organizations blossom and grow. For a patient ear and thoughtful counsel for your business, connect with Greg at 1-888-853-7100. Meet Greg Dalton, EVP - Business Banking, Sports Enthusiast, Mentor, & Dad Greg Dalton knows the value of a good workout, a good example and good advice. Greg, Anne, and the Dalton boys Visit us on the web at www.BHBT.com or call us at 1-888-853-7100. 75 Washington Avenue, Suite 300 | Portland, ME 04101 | info@goodwillnne.org | 207.774.6323 Goodwill works. With more than 2,200 employees of our own, we know what it takes to build a workforce. And we can help you - by connecting you with qualified applicants - well-trained people who want to go to work. At Goodwill Industries of Northern New England, we get workforce development - and that's work that works for you. work that works for you. C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E »

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