Terms of Reference  

Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee


Purpose 

The purpose of the Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee (FMAC) is to provide strategic input and recommendations to Local Food Matters (LFM) Board of Directors with regard to operation of the Golden Farmers’ Market. Such recommendations should support local food security and the local economy through the growth and operation of a sustainable farmers’ market. 


Mandate 

1. Provide guidance to the market manager in addressing market related issues and approval of new market vendors

2. Provide recommendations to LFM Board of Directors regarding market related topics, including the following: 

a) Develop a long-term marketing & branding strategy, create an engaging and entertaining market atmosphere

b) Develop & evolve the structure of the farmers’ market to enhance it as a platform for access to local food -  including the consideration of vendor eligibility, product eligibility criteria,, time and day of markets, parking and traffic flow etc; 

c) Review and update  Market Policies

3. Develop periodic surveys to the public and market vendors to gather input and suggestions;  


Composition 

FMAC shall be composed of a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 9 members. Representation should, where practicable, include the following: 

  • One member of LFM Board of Directors

  • Two farm vendors 

  • One prepared food vendor 

  • One non-food vendor

  • Three community members at large 

  • LFM Executive Director 


Additionally, the Market Manager will participate in GFMAC activities and meetings. 


Term 

The term of FMAC members will be one year


Meeting Schedule

The FMAC will meet regularly on a schedule to be determined by the Committee Members, not less than 7 times per year and with not less than 14 days notice. 

 The Committee may occasionally make the meetings open to the public for the purposes of public engagement and transparency.



Role of Members 

Committee members are expected to: 

  1. Appoint a committee Chair & note-taker for each meeting

  2. Attend  meetings and participate in discussions. Three consecutive absences will result in dismissal; 

  3. Communicate in a respectful and thoughtful manner; 

  4. Provide input to and accept feedback from others; 

  5. Achieve agreement from the majority on issues in order to make nonbinding recommendations to LFM Board of Directors;

  6. Liaise with vendors who are not on the committee to encourage and facilitate positive communication and the resolution of any concerns; 

  7. Act as an ambassador for the committee to all vendors.