ABQ can make farmers markets dynamic pipelines for small business

With spring unfolding, farmers markets are reopening in Albuquerque, and it’s cause for celebration. They offer spectacular food and other local products, and they provide an extraordinary vehicle for promoting new business growth. That latter role is often overlooked when it should be more highly prized by local policymakers.

I know both roles well, as I am a vendor at two farmers markets: the Downtown Growers Market Albuquerque in Robinson Park, and the Farmers Market at The Rail Yards in Barelas. It’s easy to focus on the wonderful products for sale, and I strongly encourage it. But farmers markets offer much more. They are a dynamic pipeline for small business growth with three key components.