Market Mondays With ILFMA!

Join the Illinois Farmers Market Association and market managers from across Illinois the first Monday of the month for online networking and casual discussions at noon. Connect with fellow market managers and add to your skillset! 

Starts November 6. This is a FREE event conducted via Zoom.

Market Mondays are sponsored by the Illinois Farm Bureau.

Use the button below to register.

Register for the 2024 Everything Local Conference!

Registration is now open to attend the From Food to Flowers: Everything Local Conference hosted by the Illinois Specialty Growers Association, Illinois Farm Bureau, and Illinois Farmers Market Association on January 17-19 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield, Illinois.

This unique event gathers specialty crop farmers, niche and value-added producers, agritourism
businesses, farmers market managers, distributors, buyers, and other members of the Illinois
agribusiness sector to partner in further developing the robust Illinois local food supply chain. Come hear keynote speaker Rick Bayless, attend informative presentations, enjoy locally sourced meals, network and more!

Everything Local is hosted in partnership with Illinois Specialty Growers Association and the Illinois Farm Bureau.

Use the button below to register.

ILFMA Fundraiser at Maldaner’s Restaurant!

Join us at the iconic Maldaner’s Restaurant in Springfield on Wednesday, January 17 for a fundraiser for the Illinois Farmers Market Association. Maldaner’s offers contemporary American cuisine featuring seasonal local and regional ingredients.

Ticket cost includes your first glass of beer or wine and heavy appetizers, use the button below to register. We look forward to seeing you at this fun event!

Conflict Resolution for Farmers Markets

Join us for our Conflict Resolution webinars! This 3 part series will help you understand and deal with conflict when it arises at you your market.
Each webinar stands alone, sign up for one, two or all three! 

Please note – the Conflict Resolution webinar series has been rescheduled for February/March 2024. New dates are below.  Registration will open in December.

Identifying Yourself in Conflict
February 28, 12-1PM

In this first of three webinars, you’ll delve into the complexities of conflict and how it can make you feel, have an opportunity to share your personal experience with conflict as it relates to farmers markets, and leave with practical takeaways to enhance your skills as a market manager.

Techniques for De-escalating Conflict at Farmers Markets
March 6, 12-1PM

The second webinar in our series focoses on de-escalation techniques tailored for the farmers market environment. You’ll explore various types of conflict, from vendor disputes to interactions with the public, and learn research-based strategies to defuse tensions. You’ll also get a chance to practice these techniques using real-world case studies.

Strategies for Successful Resolution of Conflict at Farmers Markets
March 13, 12-1PM

Our final session transitions from de-escalation to proactive conflict resolution strategies. We’ll dive deep into the world of conflict resolution, practice strategies in small groups using more case studies, and last but not least have a presentation by Matthew Ruffi from the Chicago Market Co-op, where he’ll share market policy and operational insights related to conflict resolution. 

The ILFMA Certified Farmers Market Manager Program is sponsored by the Illinois Farm Bureau.

Use the buttons below to register. Registration is separate for each webinar. 

To see our recent Plan Your Farmers Market Celebration or any of our other great webinars please visit ILFMA’s YouTube channel! 

Illinois Certified Farmers Market Manager Course
January – March 2024

Managing a farmers market is challenging and requires a wide range of knowledge and skills. ILFMA is pleased to offer a Certified Farmers Market Manager program for Illinois farmers market managers! Learn how to address real-world market issues and receive invaluable training in best practices for successful farmers markets.

This 9 week interactive program meets weekly from 6:30-8PM via Zoom.  Optional weekly technical assistance sessions for individual concerns or topics of interest.

All virtual; interactive utilizing Zoom and Google Classroom
Recommended but not required: Completing ILFMA Farmers Market Manager Bootcamp or market manager with at least one year of experience.

The ILFMA Certified Farmers Market Manager Program is sponsored by the Illinois Farm Bureau.

Registration now open! Use the button below to register.

2023 Cream of the Crop Awards

The Cream of the Crop Awards celebrate the best of Illinois farmers market marketing efforts in 2023.

Award categories include: social media, website, branding, print, and special events. Nominations are due February 29, 2024. Don’t delay! Submit your application today!