Author Archives: Honesta Romberger

Help Us Make Markets, Farmers, & Communities Stronger

Honesta Romberger November 12, 2018

Twelve years ago, the Farmers Market Coalition began as a small group of farmers market managers, coming together to support the growing movement dedicated to local food. Since then, FMC has expanded into a diverse network of leaders from every state, and a resource center for local food professionals. We have become a powerful voice for farmers markets,…

FMC Announces 2nd Round of SNAP Mini-Grants

Honesta Romberger November 8, 2018

Earlier this month, we announced the first recipients of FMC’s SNAP Mini-Grant Program, and opened up the program to applicants nationwide. The program was created to aid farmers markets and direct-marketing farmers impacted by the impending shutdown of Novo Dia Group, the country’s largest processor of SNAP EBT at farmers markets. After more careful consideration, we are…

FMC 2018 State of the Market Organization Survey

Honesta Romberger November 7, 2018

CLICK HERE to take the survey We want to learn more about your market organization! Each year, FMC receives scores of questions from market organizations, researchers, reporters, and funders seeking more information about how farmers markets across the country operate. Will you take a few minutes to complete FMC’s 2018 State of the Market Organization online survey?…

Farm Bill Update: Countdown to the Midterm Election

Honesta Romberger October 22, 2018

by Ben Feldman, FMC Policy Director | ben@farmersmarketcoalition.org We are now 22 days past the expiration date of the 2014 Farm Bill, and with both chambers of Congress now on recess through the midterm elections, critical food and agriculture programs remain in limbo. The hope is still that Congress can pass a farm bill during the…

FMC Goes to Farm Aid

Honesta Romberger October 17, 2018

By Liz Comiskey, FMC Membership & Operations Director | liz@farmersmarketcoalition.org When the famous people talk about farmers markets, people listen. The Farmers Market Coalition was invited to participate in Farm Aid’s 33rd annual festival last month to share the power of farmers markets, and to feature posters from our National Farmers Market Poster Contests. I…

Expired Farm Bill Bad for Farmers Markets & Farmers

Honesta Romberger October 3, 2018

by Ben Feldman, FMC Policy Director | ben@farmersmarketcoalition.org Although FMC, our members, farmers, agriculture organizations, and local food advocates across the country have spent the past year fighting for a farm bill that’s supportive of farmers markets, the 2014 Farm Bill expired on October 1st with no replacement and no extension in sight. With midterm…

How An Expired Farm Bill Could Harm Local Food Programs

Honesta Romberger September 26, 2018

by Ben Feldman, FMC Policy Director | ben@farmersmarketcoalition.org Last week, USDA announced the recipients of the 2018 Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program (FMLFPP). While this is certainly exciting news for the local food community, and we look forward to seeing the great work that grows from each project, the announcement came at a…

USDA Announces 2018 FMPP, LFPP, & SCBGP Grant Recipients

Honesta Romberger September 20, 2018

ICYMI: This week, USDA announced this year’s Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP), Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP), and Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) grant recipients. Congratulations to the 2018 awardees, especially to FMC members and colleagues. Looking forward to seeing the great work that grows from these projects! You can view the list of…

2018 #LoveMyMarket Instagram Contest Winners

Honesta Romberger September 14, 2018

All we can say is, WOW. This year, we once again asked local food fans across the country to enter our #LoveMyMarket Instagram Contest and help us celebrate our love for farmers markets. And did you guys ever deliver! From coast to coast, and everywhere in between, (including a few from our friends in Australia!),…

Tennessee Association of Farmers Markets Bi-Annual Meeting & Farm Tour – Sept 21-22

Honesta Romberger September 7, 2018

WHEN: Friday, September 21, 11:30am – Saturday, September 22, noon WHERE: Mountain Harvest Kitchen, 105 Unicoi Village Place, Unicoi, TN 37692 DETAILS: We’ll meet at the Mountain Harvest Kitchen on Friday at 11:30am for registration and lunch. Lunch will be $12 per plate, prepared at Mountain Harvest Kitchen. Following lunch will be presentations from experts…