News
Standing Together Against Racism: Black Lives Matter
Stephanie Fenty June 3, 2020Over the past week, the United States has been shaken by the deep inequities rooted within our justice system that have continued to destroy the lives of Black Americans like George Floyd. In the past, the Farmers Market Coalition has largely remained silent on matters of race and injustice. We will do so no longer.…
Growing Your Grassroots
Stephanie Fenty May 28, 2020The data that FMC has collected over the past decade and a half indicate what many suspect: farmers markets are important staples in our communities. Not only a place to buy fresh local produce, farmers markets serve as a place to connect with others and be reminded of the integral role food plays in our…
Ask the Senate to Provide Relief to Farmers Market Operators
Stephanie Fenty May 17, 2020Last Tuesday, the House of Representatives introduced the latest and largest of its COVID-19 relief package, expected to pass the chamber later this week. The $3 trillion bill includes support for food and agriculture programs, but could have done more to address systemic problems in our food system. Notably, the bill includes $50 million in…
Farmers Markets Across Nation Face Potential Economic Crisis From COVID-19
Ben Feldman May 11, 2020A version of this piece was published in Civil Eats in May 2020. Across the country, farmers markets operators–the organizations and individuals who plan, coordinate, and run America’s farmers markets, are engaging in herculean efforts to protect their communities from COVID-19. But even as interest in local foods spikes nationwide, many market operators face the…
‘Minority’ Crop Growers and Beekeepers Suffer Defeat in Pierre
Diana Broadaway April 17, 2020Press Release- For Immediate Release- Feb. 23, 2020 Jeff Stewart 605-481-0406 jstewart@hcinet.net ‘Minority’ Crop Growers and Beekeepers Suffer Defeat in Pierre The following synopsis is provided by the Legislative Action Committee of the South Dakota Specialty Producers Association on the proceedings related to bill HB 1171. For the third year in a row, a bill…
Trying Times for Local Specialty Crop Producers
Diana BroadawayPress Release- For Immediate Release- April 6, 2020 Tom Bodensteiner, SDSPA President bodensbeamwork@icloud.com Trying Times for Local Specialty Crop Producers Yankton, S.D.: Because of the state and worldwide lockdown many of our local food producer’s right here in South Dakota are feeling the financial pinch. Since people are staying away from the grocery stores…
Senate Stimulus Bill Extends $9.5 Billion Lifeline to Local Food Economy
Stephanie Fenty March 25, 2020Farmers Market Coalition urges swift movement in the House to keep national farm and food system strong Washington, D.C., March 25, 2020 – After an all-night negotiation, the Senate today passed a two trillion-dollar stimulus package; the third COVID-19 stimulus package to date. The bill includes $9.5 billion to support “agricultural producers impacted by coronavirus,…
Farmers Markets Respond to COVID-19 — Best Practices, Examples, and Resources
Darlene Wolnik March 18, 2020As concerns about the spread of COVID-19 grow, farmers market operators are wondering how best to respond. Markets are grappling with their role as public gatherings that are vital to food access for consumers and the livelihoods of farmers. In response, market operators are developing communications, preparing contingency plans, and in some regions, beginning to…
Farmers Markets Respond to COVID-19 — Daily Updates and Announcements
Stephanie Fenty March 9, 2020This post was originally published on March 9, 2020 and is updated as new information becomes available. As concerns about the spread of COVID-19 grow, farmers market operators are wondering how best to respond. Markets are grappling with their role as public gatherings that are vital to food access for consumers and the livelihoods of…
Metrics 2020
Erica Anderson February 24, 2020As it’s early in the new year (and decade!), I want to reflect on what lies ahead in terms of data collection and Metrics. FMC’s 2020 priorities and direction for Metrics stem from us learning that direct work with Metrics users early in the process gets a much greater return in user satisfaction than continuing…
