This article originally ran in the Ruston Daily Leader on August 24, 2010, and you may also view this article at the Fount's web site.

MarketMaker is an internet based program that provides sellers of food products (principally small and medium sized operations) an efficient means of communicating product availability to potential buyers. It’s like an online farmers market. MarketMaker offers buyers a convenient Internet search tool to locate products they want, either directly from producers or through some other channel.

It was developed by the University of Illinois Extension researchers in 2004 to connect Illinois farmers with viable markets. Today it is used in 15 states, including Mississippi and Arkansas.

MarketMaker is free to buyers and sellers thanks to the sponsorship of the Louisiana Department of Ag and Forestry; Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries; Farm Bureau; and the LSU AgCenter.

Who can use MarketMaker? It’s available to anyone with internet access. It’s a free marketing tool for individuals who grow food, process food, sell food or eat food.

How does it work? Producers register a profile by listing their agricultural products, such as vegetables, fruits, grains, meats and seafood and ornamental plants. At the same time farmers, ranchers, fishers and other individuals who produce agriculture related products register, buyers can also register. MarketMaker includes individuals who own restaurants, wineries and agritourism ventures.

MarketMaker is used by individuals or businesses who are searching for producers of agricultural products and by producers who wish to find new markets for their agricultural products. Here are some examples of how MarketMaker works: a praline business can use MarketMaker to locate pecans; a restaurateur can locate fresh produce by searching the database for farmers selling produce. Those interested in agritourism can use MarketMaker to search for agritourism ventures, their locations, and hours of operation. The possibilities are endless.

So, how do you register? Simply log onto the internet and go to the website. Click on “Register your business” and follow the instructions provided on the screen to enter your business information. Once you submit your information, you will automatically receive an e-mail from MarketMaker that will include your username and temporary password. This access will allow you to make changes to your profile and keep the information up to date. When you receive the e-mail, log in to your account through the URL (LA.FoodMarketMaker.com) and change your password to one that you will remember. Your information should appear on the website within one to two business days.

If you experience website problems after logging on, please be patient. The website maybe unavailable for short periods of time while the technology staff at Illinois make changes to the system.

When fully functional, this web-based resource will provide farmers, shrimpers, fishermen, distributors, food suppliers, consumers and agritourism operators with a new marketing tool. The system should be up and running by the end of September, 2010 by logging onto: LA.FoodMarketMaker.com

If you would like to register or have questions about MarketMaker, please contact me.