24 MARKETS need to manage risk
market managers from around the province discuss issues such as contracts, liability waivers and when to seek legal counsel. Prenovost walked
participants through two scenarios to help them gauge the risks to their operations: one, relocating a market displaced by development; the other, a vehicle ploughing into market stalls. Unlike the vehicle incident
that prompted Christmas markets in Europe to tighten security in December 2016, Prenovost’s example was a matter of lax oversight by market management – a good reminder of how managing risk often comes down to good protocols and following them. Prenovost urged farmers
markets to write down protocols, and keep records
that demonstrate compliance and that reasonable steps were taken to limit liability in the event of an incident. While many people think simply having insurance is sufficient, he told them not to be sure. Adequate precautions must be taken to prevent claims in the first place. This reduces both risk and potential accidents from happening, in turn, keeping premiums low. It also demonstrates that accidents weren’t a result of negligence, which can expose a market to civil claims and may compromise liability coverage. “Don’t hang your hat on insurance,” he warned, noting that adequate steps must be taken to prevent claims. Best practices were also the
focus of a presentation Emily Hansen, a research associate
nfrom page 23
with the Institute for Sustainable Food Systems at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
Based on interviews with 15
producers in autumn 2016, Hansen presented preliminary findings to be incorporated in a report KPU will release later this year. The goal was to share best practices among market vendors and to raise awareness of the opportunities farmers markets offer producers. Hansen presented tips
related to the financial, human resources, marketing and management aspects of a farm business. “This is intended to be a
resource for farmers to access around business development ideas,” she said. “A lot of these challenges are common across the sector regardless of what you’re producing.”
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COUNTRY LIFE IN BC • APRIL 2017 Tips for market success
• Record-keeping should support business goals: Mackin Creek Farm north of Williams Lake tracks production block-by-block to better understand both site conditions and the profitability of each production block.
• Track return on time: Cutter Ranch, north of Clinton, opted to focus on pork production even though its garlic crop was a popular item at markets because it took time away from caring for the livestock that were their primary product.
• Set lifestyle goals: Christian Kimber established Three Crows Farm in Cranbrook as a lifestyle choice but the farm’s success meant taking steps to ensure the lifestyle aspect wasn’t lost to farm growth. • Responsibilities should match skills: Tyler and Sacha McNaughton of Cutter Ranch split responsibilities to reflect their strengths, knowing that neither of them could do everything well.
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• Open communication: Little Qualicum Cheeseworks sought open communications between generations to facilitate the transition of older family members out of the business and accommodate spouses and children who were just entering the family business. • Cultivate diversity: Cropthorne Farm in Delta grows a mix of vegetables to mitigate risk and maintain cash flow throughout the year and across different retail channels. • Cultivate connections: Stein Mountain Farm’s remote location in Lytton has made connections with consumers at the farmers market each week vital to aligning with demand and ensuring stable revenues.
• Craft a story: Zaklan Heritage Farm in Surrey has made a name for itself by documenting the adventures of its two young owners trying to make a farm work in the suburbs via social media.
• Craft your image: Having the right personality to represent your farm at markets is as important as having the right product mix. Your market representative should be an authentic reflection of what your farm is.
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• Add value: Knowing its strengths and identifying opportunities to develop the farm operation were key to Taves Family Farm in Abbotsford adding its Applebarn as an agri-tourism experience. This has helped boost traffic and employment opportunities for the community. • Co-operate: It’s not enough to connect with consumers; connect with other growers to learn from their experiences and forge connections that may even lead to co-operative marketing arrangements.
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