The NFMA's mission has always been to to support Washington’s small farms by providing effective direct sales sites (farmers markets), and by educating consumers about local farm products and the benefits of buying direct from local farmers. Ultimately, we exist to help make sure that our small local farms continue to exist. We are certainly not opposed to local artist and I think, as individuals, we all appreciated them, but it is simply not our focus as an organization to support them. We are lucky to have enough local food producers to fill our market sites and already have to turn away quite a few each year for lack of space. Craft markets can be great community events for artists and consumers alike, but serve a different purpose than our food markets.

The only place I know of like that is The Herbfarm in Woodinville. Unfortunately, I've never been there myself, but have heard great things from people who have. Check out their website: www.theherbfarm.com. Also, if you're looking to have any kind of pre-planned dinner event, Willie Greens Organic Farm in Monroe now has an organized (and beautiful) facility and has partnered up with Herban Feast Catering to offer delicious, very farm fresh meals.

Starting a farmers market and maintaining the level of success necessary to keep both farmers and shoppers coming can be very difficult. This has become especially true lately as we've seen the negative effects of farmers market saturation (i.e. too many markets on the same day or within close proximity to one another, so none are doing as well as they need to be). As a city, we may need to wait until our core group of committed farmers market shoppers grows before we can ask our local farmers to spread out any thinner. In any case, there are a couple of great resources that can help you figure out everything you need to start a market. Check out the Washington State Farmers Market Manual available on the WA State Farmers Market Association website (www.wafarmersmarkets.com) under "Resource Center". Also, the National Farmers Market Coalition as a ton of great resources about everything from canopy safety to product integrity to how to accept food stamps at markets (www.farmersmarketcoalition.org).

There are some farms that have work share programs, often as an alternative form of payment for receiving a weekly food box, though not many advertise, so it's hard to know where to ask. I think, from a farmer's perspective, it's sometimes hard to gauge whether or not having a large work share program is worthwhile, since it often requires so much planning and day-of management. I know Sol to Seed in Carnation has a work share group at the farm every Saturday and others may have save similar schedules. I think your best bet is to visit one of the bigger markets (U-District, Ballard, etc) where the farmers tend to come themselves (rather then sending a sales person) and just ask them directly.