The Illinois Farmers Market Association (IFMA)
IFMA is dedicated to the growth and management of farmers markets throughout our state, serving the needs and interests of managers, farmers, vendors, customers and all stakeholders in local, community markets. Its mission is to provide educational support for farmers market organizers, farmers, vendors and other community food and nutrition organizations through partnerships, resource-sharing, and training on best management practices, operating procedures, and state regulations through workshops, webinars, and various social marketing venues.
Membership Benefits –
Joining a community of people, who share your interest, seek out one another for support and information and are drawn to a place where they can find answers, explore opportunities and learn from one another’s triumphs and challenges. Your membership fees will be used for building relationships and bringing you in contact with managers, vendors and professionals from varied walks of life and backgrounds and literally thousands of people whose love for local, fresh foods is expressed most clearly through their participation in, and support of local farmers markets.
- Educational opportunities along with discounted registration fees for training webinars, conferences and regional workshops;
- Automatic “Joint Membership with the National Farmers Market Coalition”, providing even more access to policy issues, training materials and resources – ($40 value)
- Access to an online Market Management Manual;
- Market development services for new markets, staff and vendor programs;
- Promotion and networking opportunities through an list serve, quarterly newsletters, and website,
- Advocacy to state leaders on issues of importance to our industry, such as Food Safety discussion and recommendations;
- Partnerships with state, local and non-profit agencies to develop and administer programs that support farmers markets, farmers and consumers;
- Committee membership opportunities to help shape the Association and its programs and services
- Collaboration on state level-food and farm policy issues through potential Governor’s Appointments to the Illinois Food Farms and Jobs Council and the Illinois Farmers Market Task Force;
- Being a part of the community and statewide voice in helping craft legislative priorities respond to trends and ideas and participate in the process as a representative of the growing local food constituency within Illinois and the nation.
Membership Fee Schedule:
Farmers Markets (Based on number of markets under single management)
1 market $50
2-5 markets $75
6–10 markets $100
11 + markets $150
Farmer/Vendor $40
Friend of the Market $40
Organization Friend $100