How To Start a Farm Stop

Farm Stops: A New Approach To Local Food

The Farm Stop is a new model for selling locally grown produce, meats, and dairy - a next generation of the traditional farmers' market model - making it easier for customers to purchase goods and products from their favorite local farms and food producers.

Farm Stops have the potential to transform local food communities. If your community has an active farmers' market, then it has the necessary supply base, and is likely in need of additional, convenient alternatives for local food sales. Farm Stops compliment farmers' markets by allowing farmers to both supply the Farm Stop and the market in the same trips. They also provide year-round, everyday access for customers to shop from these same farmers and food businesses.

We are excited to share what we have learned in starting the first and second Argus Farm Stop stores in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Course Details:

• Tuesday through Thursday, February 4 - 6 2025
• 12:00 - 3:00 PM (ET) each day via Zoom

Who This Course is For:

• Individuals serious about exploring and starting a Farm Stop business venture

• Planning teams and organizations with an established mission and vision for implementing a Farm Stop in their community

What To Expect:

• Three half-day classes with Argus Farm Stop's founding team (3 hours each day)

• An in-depth understanding of why Farm Stops are needed, what it takes to open and operate one, and how to work with local producers

• Real-life stories and advice from our six years opening and operating two Farm Stops

• Access to presentation slides and additional resource materials

• A network of like-minded peers to learn from and call upon

COURSE OUTLINE:

Day 1: Farm Stop Model Overview

• History and business model of Argus Farm Stop

• How Farm Stops supercharge the local food economy

• Marketing and branding your business model to customers and producers

• Producer relationships and product mix

Day 2: Farm Stop Daily Operations

• Managing producer communication

• Produce inventory, handling, and display

• Using your point of sales system to track and pay producers

• How our mission shapes store culture

• Staffing structure and the hiring process

Day 3: Opening a Farm Stop

• Finding the right team of people and systems

• Different approaches to structure and fund your Farm Stop

• Drafting a budget for your build-out and first year in business

• Designing and building out your store

Questions?

We're happy to help! Please email [email protected].

Cancellation / Refund Policy:

• 100% refund if more than 14 days notice
• 50% refund if more than 72 hours notice
• No refund if less than 72 hours notice

We can also hold your registration and make a one-time transfer to a course date within the next 365 days.

Event Venue

Online