IFMA knows the importance of farmers markets and the healthy, local food, jobs and community vibrancy they provide. Whether the farmers market is in a rural, suburban or urban landscape, IFMA’s resources help farmers, local businesses and entrepreneurs build a stronger local economy. We have made great strides, but we need your help to get even better. There are now over 378 farmers markets in Illinois, up from about 270 in 2009 when the association was just organizing as a network. To help us kick off the 2015 outdoor farmers market season, we are asking for your support and join us in becoming a member by clicking HERE.
Since IFMA began in 2012, we have organized state-wide conferences, regional workshops, and webinars to equip market managers and farmers with the information they need to grow their market. Our online training manual continues to be a critical resource for new market managers to establish markets in their area and increase the availability of local food. We have also contributed to the increase of healthy food in low-income communities through EBT/LINK trainings for market managers and promotional materials. Please help us to continue our success for future seasons!
We look forward to working with you in 2015 to highlight the importance of local farmers markets which are at the center of a thriving local food movement in Illinois.
You can find our application online at https://ilfarmersmarkets.org/membership-form/
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;
- 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
Click the link below to sign up!
Illinois Farmers Market Membership
The Illinois Farmers Market Association (IFMA) is a 501c3 tax-exempt organization. It takes the support of everyone – farmers, markets, organizations and customers to effectively provide a viable and sustainable farmers market community in Illinois. Any monetary donations to IFMA are tax-deductible as allowed by federal law.