Family Farms and Farmers Markets Are Essential

Farmers Market Coalition urges federal, state, and local leaders to protect our nation’s food producers and farmers markets through federal stimulus and clear operational guidelines

Washington, D.C., March 18, 2020 – Congress is close to passing its second multi-billion dollar stimulus package and is hard at work on a third – this one focused on small businesses. As a national nonprofit organization providing support to 1,200 market organizations representing nearly half of all farmers markets in the United States, Farmers Market Coalition (FMC) urges Congress to ensure  that the next stimulus package explicitly includes support for family farm businesses and farmers markets. Farmers markets are a vital economic force in America, both locally and nationally, accounting for $711 million in sales annually. By providing much-needed relief in the next stimulus package, Congress can keep the economic engine of America’s farmers markets humming, while also providing much needed food access to consumers across the country.

“Farmers markets deserve to be included in the federal aid package.” said Ben Feldman, Executive Director of FMC. “Unfortunately, neither of the first two packages are guaranteed to provide aid to American farmers who sell directly to the public, nor to the communitybased organizations who operate farmers markets. Farmers are America’s original small businesspeople, and farmers markets are an essential food access point for communities seeking fresh, healthy food – in particular for low-income families who are able to access the freshest fruits and vegetables through markets’ SNAP EBT and WIC programs.”

FARM 2 FACTS – Alfonso Morales, PhD

“COVID: What Can Government Officials Learn from Farmers Market Managers?”

Farmers markets operate on a few simple principles:

1. They connect locally produced crafts and foods with consumers.
2. They are places consumers practice community.
3. They convey information and opportunities people will discover and make their own.

For generations, marketplaces have contributed to the community in many ways:

1. Promoted individual and public health,
2. Served as conduits for information and healthy food,
3. Offered opportunities for exercise and social life,
4. Provided learning opportunities for immigrants and every other sector of a community.

The Brookings Institution and Project for Public Spaces

“Farmers markets are vital during COVID-19, but they need more support”

• • FULFILLING ESSENTIAL HEALTH AND ECONOMIC NEEDS
  • ADAPTING TO PUBLIC HEALTH REALITIES
  • FARMERS MARKETS NEED MORE SUPPORT

Oregon Farmers Markets Association (OFMA) COVID-19 Resources

This resource has been developed for farmers markets, based on the original essential business exemption guidelines, plus the newest retail guidelines and restaurant guidelines available from the Oregon Health Authority, and has been reviewed and approved by state officials at the Oregon Department of Agriculture as appropriate interpretations for the farmers market community.

Alaska Farmland Trust and Alaska Farmers Markets Shop Safe & Local Sign

COVID FMNP/SFMNP: Memos and Q&A

FMNP/SFMNP

FMNP Memo: Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) Waiver Authority under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act

Questions and Answers on Program Flexibilities

SFMNP Memo/Q&A: Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) Administrative Flexibilities during a Pandemic and accompanying Questions and Answers

WSFMA Signage for Safe Market Operations

WSFMA curated gallery of “safe market” signage, including examples from the Washington State Department of Health and the CDC as well as Seattle’s Neighborhood Farmers Markets, Poulsbo Farmers Market, Bellingham Farmers Market, and others.

Agricultural Institute of Marin: Setting Up Your Farmers Market Booth Under COVID-19 Guidelines

Farmers Markets are essential services during the current Shelter-In-Place order. This video shares some helpful tips for Market Participants (vendors) setting up their booth at farmers markets during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets: Farmers Market Guidance

The Agency of Agriculture recognizes the importance of farmers markets to our farmers, communities, heritage and culture.  We are excited to announce that farmers markets will be able to re-open on May 1, following guidance from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets, the Vermont Department of Health and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development.

This guidance is intended to help farmers markets’ serve communities and provide direct access to
healthy, nutritious foods, while also supporting local farmers and food businesses.

District of Columbia: Mayor’s Order 2020-058

Mayor Bowser Issues Order Establishing Social Distancing Protocols for Food Sellers and Requirements for Farmers’ Markets to Operate During Public Health Emergency