Currently FSM has no public-managed fresh produce markets, of the like that exist in many Pacific Islands. The current practice is that most farmers sell produce directly to supermarkets or through roadside stalls. A number of municipalities in FSM are now thinking of establishing municipal markets – as part of a public good for constituents. A key premise is that organised public markets can provide equitable access to a larger range of vendors and incentivise farmers. The U-Municipality (1 of 6 municipalities on Pohnpei) in fact has, through grant funding, already built a new municipal market –and is considering commencing operations at some point. 
The specific request by Pohnpei state was to provide advice on a business plan for municipal markets. The Workshop took participants through a plan’s key elements; policy and regulatory structures, vendor organisation, product mix and other business/operating demands of these markets - based on practical case studies from Cook Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji.

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