Who We Are
About ILFMA
The Illinois Farmers Market Association was founded in 2012 to connect the growing number of Illinois farmers markets, market managers, producers, and consumers and provide coordinated resources, advocacy, technical services, and training to ensure the continued vibrancy and sustainability of Illinois farmers markets. Additionally, ILFMA partners with local, state, regional, and national organizations in educating market managers, producers, and the general public on the economic, health, and social benefits of providing, promoting, and expanding access for the increased consumption of fresh, local farm products at farmers markets statewide.
Our Mission
We support local food and food systems by giving Illinois farmers markets and producers access to resources, education, and connections in order to grow healthier and economically vibrant communities.
The Objectives We Strive to Achieve
The Illinois Farmers Market Association is committed to growing the farmers market community through the following objectives:
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.
To facilitate networking, information sharing, policy discussion, and planning among farmers market organizers, farmers, vendors, governmental agencies, and other community food and nutrition organizations.
To provide promotional assistance, build awareness, and strengthen the farmers market customer base throughout the state by creating programs that enhance local food access for the public without regard to race, creed, national origin, age, gender, disability, or ability to pay.
To provide a unified voice for farmers markets by communicating the economic, health, and social importance of farmers markets to farmers, consumers, civic leaders, and communities at large.