News
Are There Too Many Farmers Markets? Notes from the Market Field, Part 2
Darlene Wolnik May 8, 2019by Dar Wolnik, FMC Senior Advisor | darlene@farmersmarketcoalition.org In March of 2019, NPR did a story on farmers markets; unfortunately, it was focused only on how some leaders and vendors believe there may be “too many markets”, while others found that focus to be an inaccurate or a misleading framing of farmers markets in the…
Are There Too Many Farmers Markets? Notes from the Market Field, Part 3
Darlene Wolnikby Dar Wolnik, FMC Senior Advisor | darlene@farmersmarketcoalition.org In March of 2019, NPR did a story on farmers markets; unfortunately, it was focused only on how some leaders and vendors believe there may be “too many markets”, while others found that focus to be an inaccurate or a misleading framing of farmers markets in the…
USDA Announces Farmers Market & Local Food Promotion Program Application Period Now Open
Honesta Romberger April 18, 2019Read USDA’s press release below. FMC will follow-up shortly with more information and tips for applying. April 18, 2019 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced $23 million in competitive grant funding to support the development and expansion of local and regional food markets, enterprises and producer-to-consumer marketing. The Farmers Market and Local…
Call for Presentations & Posters for the 2019 Nat’l Direct Ag Summit
Jen O'Brien April 17, 2019SAVE THE DATE: The 2nd annual National Direct Agricultural Marketing Summit will take place from October 7-9, 2019 in Rosemont, Illinois (Chicago-area). FMC will also be hosting pre-Summit activities, including a state association leader meeting, an emerging issues panel, and business development fair with small group and one-on-one consulting for farmers market managers on topics such as organizational…
Get Ready for the 2019 National Farmers Market Poster Contest!
Honesta Romberger April 12, 2019Get those posters ready – the Farmers Market Coalition is once again teaming up with Farm Aid to host the 2019 National Farmers Market Poster Contest, April 29th – May 31th! Now in its 5th year, the annual contest celebrates the creativity and diversity of America’s farmers markets by showcasing market posters on a national level. For…
99 Members of Congress Sign-On in Support of WIC FMNP
Honesta Romberger April 4, 2019by Ben Feldman, FMC Executive Director | ben@farmersmarketcoalition.orgThanks to the hard work and advocacy of FMC members and partners, Congress made a strong show of support for the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Led by Representatives Adriano Espiallat, and Barbara Lee, 99 members of Congress signed on to the letter, asking the House Agriculture Appropriations…
FMC and MerchantSource® Partner to Cut SNAP and Credit Card Equipment Costs up to 50% for Farmers Markets
Honesta RombergerFarmers Market Coalition is excited to announce a new partnership with MerchantSource® to provide FMC members with significantly discounted wireless SNAP, credit, and debit card processing equipment and solutions. “The Farmers Market Coalition is committed to providing outstanding tools and services to our members and it is our belief that MerchantSource® shares that commitment,” said…
FMC on the Road: California, Oregon, Alaska, and Massachusetts
Stephanie Fenty March 28, 2019February and March were busy for FMC staff, who have been traveling to conferences from coast to coast meeting with farmers market leaders, hearing the issues facing the local food sector, as well as learning about potential solutions. We’ve also been presenting the lessons we’ve gained working with markets, offering the tools, methods, and technical…
FMC Mini-Grants Support SNAP Programs Across the Country
Stephanie Fenty March 20, 2019Last year, FMC awarded seven $500 SNAP Mini-Grants to farmers markets and farmers across the country who displayed a clear commitment to expanding SNAP programming, and connecting SNAP shoppers in their communities to healthy, affordable food. Here’s a first look at the great work resulting from the funding. Keya Wakpala Community Farmers’ Market Mission, SD…
Call to Action: Tell Congress to Support WIC FMNP
Honesta Romberger March 18, 2019Last week, the President’s FY 2020 budget was released, proposing significant cuts to USDA programs, including eliminating funding for the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (WIC FMNP). In response, Representatives Barbara Lee (CA-13) and Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) are leading a letter to demonstrate support for the Program among members of the House. Known as a…
