Wednesday, March 18, 2009

DAVID WILSON - BUILDING AN ENTERPRISING COMMUNITY THROUGH FARMERS MARKETS – UNLIMITED POTENTIAL FOR EVERY TOWN



David Wilson Key Messages

In times of change it is the learners who inherit the future. “

 

“Every single person has capacities, abilities and gifts”

 

“The Purpose of a business is to find and keep customers”

 

“Find out what your customers want and give it to them”

 

Southland

Success starts with healthy Communities….. places where the capacities of all residents are identified valued and harnessed and this was the key message from David Wilson for all Southland attendees.  A good representation from Invercargil, Dunedin, Gore, Cromwall proved that successful management is the key to running  Farmers’ Markets.

WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY AND MARKET LIFE THAT CANNOT BE LOST?

WHAT DO WE NEED TO GET RID OF FROM OUR COMMUNITY MARKET?

WHAT NEEDS MODIFYING OR REORGANISING IN TERM OF OUR COMMUNITY AND MARKET LIFE?

These questions were all raised and answered with enthusiasm  as the room worked together to strategise what needs to happen in the Southland  region.   We all discovered that   Great communities don’t just happen! – They are created, nurtured and sustained by caring, connected and involved residents

FMNZ Vision

Vision         Our vision is to… develop a national network of around 50 authentic Farmers Markets, drawn together by a shared passion for and commitment to fresh, locally produced, authentic food direct to consumers.                       

For FMNZ specifically, this means: 

·         Working towards certification - showing each market does indeed meet the definition and standards of a “Farmers Market”. 

·         Being a source for member Markets looking for quality help, information, resources, advice etc. 

·         FMNZ being established on a professional footing – with a paid coordinator (in time), and paid contractors delivering specific project outcomes. 

·         FMNZ taking on the overall role of PR and marketing the “Farmers Market movement” – but this does not in any way negate the local efforts to promote a specific market. 

·                                             FMNZ taking on national responsibilities around internal communication (across the network), liaising with Economic development Agencies, funding sources and national organisations with like interests.       

The Aims of FMNZ

The aims of the Farmers' Market New Zealand Association are

  • To facilitate the formation of a network of authentic Farmers’ Markets throughout New Zealand
  • To clearly define the concept of an authentic Farmers’ Market and facilitate the development of this model in the cities and provinces of New Zealand.
  • To support the viable and self-sufficient operation of existing and future Farmers’ Markets by sharing information and providing appropriate resources.
  • To protect the brand “Farmers’ Market”, clearly distinguishing the concept of a Farmers’ Market from other markets, both retail and wholesale
  • To advocate on behalf of members at a national level.

The Executive of FMNZ (comprises of seven farmers market representatives)  is interested in your comments, and ask those with feedback to have it with us no later than 15th June by e-mail to members@farmersmarket.org.nz