Our Blog

Meet Me at the Market!

Meet Me at the Market!

Thanks to all who attended our first Meet Me at the Market! We're currently planning our next Market Meet Up, date and location coming soon. Check back for more details and we'll see you at the market!

Illinois Dairy is Udderly Delicious!

Illinois Dairy is Udderly Delicious!

June is National Dairy month, and although dairy is worth celebrating every month, we use the month of June to highlight Illinois farms that are working hard to make local (and udderly delicious) dairy products available to consumers. From kefir to curds, cow milk to...

Savor Autumn in Illinois with Agritourism Adventures

Savor Autumn in Illinois with Agritourism Adventures

It’s always great to visit a farm and get to know the farmers who grow our food. But there’s no better time than September and October, as the heat of summer gives way to the cool comforts of autumn, and a ride in the beautiful Illinois countryside can lead to...

August is THE month to visit a local farm market

August is THE month to visit a local farm market

This year’s National Farmers Market Week is August 6-12, and Illinois Farmers Market Association (ILFMA) joins markets from across the country in celebrating the positive impacts farmers markets have. Farmers markets provide access to delicious, nutritious locally...

Savor the Seasons with Farm to Table Restaurants

Savor the Seasons with Farm to Table Restaurants

Over the past few decades, chefs and restaurateurs in locations throughout the state have also been serving diners with fresh, delicious, sustainably produced vegetables, fruit and produce from farms close to home. In this article, Buy Fresh Buy Local Illinois...

Flowers and Bees: The Essence of Spring from Local Illinois Farmers

Flowers and Bees: The Essence of Spring from Local Illinois Farmers

There was a popular song in the 1960s that starts “Let me tell you ‘bout the birds and the bees, and the flowers and the trees…”. Well, it’s finally spring, so Buy Fresh Buy Local Illinois is here to tell you about two great businesses, one that is focused on flowers...

WIC/FMNP Opportunity for Farmers!

WIC/FMNP Opportunity for Farmers!

Are you a farmer who is interested in accepting WIC or Senior Farmers Market coupons? Do you sell in a county where the program operates? Determine your eligibility by checking to make sure that you sell in a county where the program operates (click HERE to see a map...

ILFMA Winter Farmers Markets

ILFMA Winter Farmers Markets

ILFMA 2022-23 Winter Farmers Market List!Winter is a great time to continue shopping at your favorite farmers market, and/or maybe plan a trip to one that's new to you! Many farmers markets across Illinois continue through the winter months. Farmers are employing...

Food, Flowers and Fun!

Food, Flowers and Fun!

2025 ILFMA Fundraiser! Springfield, Illinois Join ILFMA at Bloom Wine Bar on Wednesday, January 29 for our Food, Flowers and Fun! fundraiser. Your ticket includes heavy appetizers, live music, the chance to build your own beautiful bouquet (for an added fee) and a...

Farmers Market Vendor Bootcamp

Farmers Market Vendor Bootcamp

ILFMA is partnering with the Good Food Accelerator for a virtual farmers market Vendor Bootcamp series! Learn what makes a great farmers market vendor, how to get into the market of your dreams and more. Join us for four seminars (held via Zoom) this November and...

Market Mondays

Market Mondays

Join ILFMA and market managers from across Illinois on the first Monday of the month for online networking and casual discussions.