Northfield Mount Hermon Farmers’ Market Teach-In

What is the Farmers’ Market Teach-In?

The purpose of the day is two-fold. The “teach-in” element gets our students thinking about local food: how it’s produced, distributed, and valued within the community. Many of our faculty members devote the day to focusing on relevant topics in their area of study; from science to world languages, arts to history, and many more. Participating experts — farmers, agricultural scientists, chefs, and local government officials, among others — visit classes to share their knowledge.

The “market” part of the day takes place at the center of campus, where students, faculty, and staff congregate to learn about and purchase locally produced goods such as seedlings, early vegetable crops, cheese, salsa, honey, wool, pollinator products, and a variety of other items. There are also educational booths teaching visitors about topics such as nutrition, preservation of agricultural land, and food justice. Pictures of last year’s Farmers’ Market Teach-In are at this link.

When will the Farmers’ Market Teach-In take place?

May 5, 2017. Guests hosting a booth at the Farmers’ Market Teach-In may arrive as early as 8 am and should have their booths set up by 10:30 am. The official Farmers’ Market is open to NMH classes from 11 am–4 pm, and is open to the public 2–4 pm. Guest speakers will be matched with appropriate classes, which begin as early as 8 am and run in 80-minute increments throughout the day. Classes start at 8 am, 10:10 am, 11:40 am, 12:20 pm, and 2:20 pm.

Where is the Farmers’ Market Teach-In?

The market will be in the center of campus at 1 Lamplighter Way, Gill, Massachusetts. Events and classes will be held throughout the campus. We will send a map to participants closer to the date of the event.

How can I be involved?

There are numerous ways to participate. We invite you to consider the following:

• Sell products at the market or host an informational table. The most popular tables are interactive, offering students an opportunity to try a hands-on activity or sample wares.
• Visit one or more of our classes as a guest speaker.
• Bring livestock to campus for market-goers to encounter.
• Suggest an innovative way of connecting students/market attendees to food systems. We are open to your ideas!

To sign up, click on this link and fill out the registration form.

How much does it cost to participate, and what do I need to provide for my Farmers’ Market booth?

Participation is free. NMH will provide a table with tablecloth, tent, chairs, and electricity (if needed) for your booth. We encourage your booth to be manned by at least two people. If you are selling products, you will need insurance coverage, and as a speaker you will need to provide proof of automobile insurance. (Details will be provided in the event contract.)

How do students get involved?

Many classes have been given specific tasks for their visits to the market. Some will have questions to answer, and this year we will share those questions with you in advance. Some will be interviewing participants to learn more about careers in food systems. Some will shop, especially for Mother’s Day gifts. NMH students tend to be engaged and curious, and will be eager to connect with you.