A new farmers’ market manager-training program is currently being offered here in Nova Scotia. The course is the first of its kind, designed to provide farmers’ markets across the province with the business knowledge they requires to run smoothly. The 40-hour residential program covers everything from market management to human resource leadership, in two three-day sessions. The idea is to professionalize farmers’ markets, executive director of Farmers’ Markets of Nova Scotia, Rowena Hopkins says, “It’s more than just a job, it’s a profession.”
Already, 11 people have graduated from the program, with nine more expected in May. The plan is to continue with the course so long as there is enough interest. New start dates will be available in the fall, but spaces fill up fast. For more information contact Hopkins at 425-9776.
This article appears in Apr 14-20, 2011.