Hudson Valley Farmers’ Market Academy
Calling all current and future market vendors!
We’re excited to announce the launch of the Hudson Valley Farmers’ Market Academy, a professional development series designed to help farmers’ market vendors grow and succeed. This initiative is created and supported by Common Ground Farm, the Beacon Farmers’ Market, and the Newburgh Farmers’ Market, with the goal of strengthening our local food community while supporting small businesses.
The academy will be structured in a series of workshops that will cover essential topics like branding, marketing, sales strategies, customer engagement, both design, business development/growth, and more—providing valuable insights from both industry professionals and experienced market vendors.
Thanks to generous funding from Farm Credit Northeast AgEnhancement and the USDA, we’re able to offer these valuable learning opportunities at no cost to participants. Whether you're a current vendor looking to refine your skills or a potential vendor interested in getting started, this series offers valuable insights to help you succeed.
Booth Design: Baskets of Abundance and Labels of Explanation
Learn how to create an eye-catching, organized booth that attracts and retains customers.
This workshop includes: Ideas on how to use height, color, abundance, and branding for maximum impact.
This workshop will be led as a panel discussion led by successful market vendors and moderated by Amy Bandolik, Beacon Farmers’ Market Manager.
Virtual workshop June 17, 2025 7 pm to 8:30 pm.
Selling with Heart: Effective Sales and Customer Service Strategies
Build relationships and engage with customers through sampling, demos, storytelling, and professional presentation. Use storytelling to connect with customers and differentiate your product.
This workshop includes: Do’s and don’ts of customer interactions and tips for relationship building.
This workshop will be led as a panel discussion led by successful market vendors and moderated by Common Ground’s staff.
Virtual workshop July 15, 2025 7 pm to 8:30 pm.
Savvy Signage: Clear Messaging and Buzzwords That Work
Use signage to communicate who you are, your values, the benefits that you accept, and to stand out at the market.
This workshop includes: Ideas for effective signage, pricing, sold-out product signs, and clear messaging.
This workshop will be led as a panel discussion led by successful market vendors and moderated by Common Ground’s staff.
Virtual workshop August 19, 2025 7 pm to 8:30 pm.