Dear Friend,
As recalls and cases of contamination plague our food system, consumers increasingly have a desire to know where the food they are purchasing comes from and how it is produced. Local has replaced organic as the buzz word in food circles and with energy prices on the rise and geo-political tensions ever present, regional versus global food distribution is again gaining market share.
These factors and others, have resulted in a resurgence of interest in Farmers Markets across the country. Not only is a whole new generation of farmers seeking retail outlets which will increase their profitability and viability thus preserving agriculture for themselves and future generations, but also, consumers are discovering that farmers markets are a fun, reasonably priced, alternative to supermarkets. At Farmers Markets they have direct access to fresh, healthy local foods and to the farmers who are producing the foods. The experience inevitably includes developing relationships and friendships with the farmers and gaining an understanding and appreciation of where their food comes from and how it is produced.
Communities also benefit from Farmers Markets. They often are a catalyst for economic development, stimulating downtown revitalization, tourism and new business growth. But even more important, a farmers market becomes part of the fabric of the community and a source of community pride as consumers from all walks of life – ethnic, economic and social strata, come together to savor the ambiance at farmers markets, creating and enhancing a sense of community and helping to erase cultural differences.
The Farmers Market Federation of NY supports the farmers markets across New York State as they strive to develop and operate farmers markets that maintain the ideals that appeal to farmers, consumers and communities alike. Our variety of programs provide the state’s farmers markets with opportunities to reach their target audiences in many ways –
• Food stamp programs provide access to farmers markets for low income consumers through wireless terminals distributed to farmers markets, along with support materials, financial assistance and training
• Coupon incentive programs help farmers markets reach out to key target audiences within their community to introduce them to farmers markets, their farmers and the diversity of fresh, local, healthy foods. This is also an opportunity for participating farmers to increase sales.
• Promotional programs create awareness of community farmers markets across the state, helping to increase customer traffic and build farmers sales and profits
• Insurance programs that allow affordable access to farmers markets for New York’s farmers and producers
• Training programs help market managers to develop professional skills to effective manage their farmers markets, increasing the sustainability of farmers markets and their ability to achieve their mission.
We encourage you to support the growing interest in farmers markets across New York State, supporting local farmers, giving access to fresh, healthy local foods to New York’s consumers and benefiting communities and neighborhoods. Your donation, great or small, will help the Farmers Market Federation of New York to continue to offer its high quality programs, as well as to continue to grow and develop with the industry.
The Federation is a 501 (c) 3 Corporation. All contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent of IRS law. All contributors will receive a confirmation of receipt on organizational letterhead for tax purposes.
To make your donation click on the Just Give logo at the top of the page.
You may also mail your donation to:
Farmer's Market Federation of New York
117 Highbridge Street, Suite U-3
Fayetteville, NY 13066
