Farmers Market 101 and new webinars!

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Spring Farmers Market 101 Workshop

April 26 - Sterling, IL
9AM - 3:30PM

There's still time to register for our in person Farmers Market 101 in Sterling! Enjoy a full day of engaging, interactive presentations focusing on the “nuts and bolts” of market management. Locally sourced continental breakfast and lunch are included, and it's all free (with refundable $20 lunch guarantee). Farmers market staff, vendors and volunteers will discover new information and ideas to improve their market, business, and community.

Use the button below for more information and to register

FM 101 workshops are supported by an Illinois Specialty Crop Grant from the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

FM 101 Workshop

Emergency Preparedness for Farmers Markets
presented virtually via Zoom

Our spring Webinar series is in full swing! Join us this week for our two part Mitigating Risk series, and in May for our Conflict Resolution webinar. These informative online courses will be accessed via Zoom, and registrants only will be given a link to access a recording for future review.

Registration is separate for each topic. Cost is just $5 per registration. Sign up today and get the information and tools to help keep your market safe!

April 18 & 20, 4:00-5:00 PM
Mitigating Safety Risk, Securing Public Spaces
Presented by Steve Lyddon, Protective Security Advisor with U.S. Department of Homeland Security
April 18 Mitigating Risk - April 20 Securing Your Space

The two part series Mitigating Safety Risks, Securing Public Spaces will cover vital information to help keep your market safe! Farmers Markets and large events face a variety of security risks. and are potentially vulnerable to violence, bad actors and other potential threats because of their accessibility and large number of targets. Attendance to both parts of the series is not mandatory, but is recommended if possible.

Mitigating Safety Risks & Securing Public Spaces

Conflict Happens: Being Proactive
May 10, 12:00-1:00PM
Presented by Rob Burn, L and L Solutions LLC

Explore the side of conflict we most often ignore - ourselves - in this valuable webinar. Conflict happens but we often foreget we're part of the conflict situation. Understanding ourselves, our initial reaction to conflict and what drives our behaviors in conflict is the first step in working towards a positive outcome. Click the button below to register.

Conflict Happens: Being Proactive

Masters series is supported by the Illinois Farm Bureau.

Want to see or review our recent Social Media Webinar series? These and many other past presentations can be accessed through ILFMA's YouTube channel!

Learn how to use one of the most valuable tools at your disposal - Metrics! Collecting and using data can help attract customers, vendors and sponsors to your market, and help you plan your season more effectively.

Our Metrics for Markets training program will provide all the information you'll need to gather and utilize metrics at your market. Participants will be matched one-on-one with an experienced market manager to mentor them throughout the program, and will receive a small honorarium upon completion.

Information will be shared through virtual meetings and webinars. Time commitment is 5-6 hours over a three month period. Space is limited, click the button below to apply for this great opportunity and learn how to integrate metrics into your market!

Metrics for Markets training program is produced with the support of Compeer Financial.

Apply for Metrics for Markets

Do you utilize metrics at your market? We need mentors for our Metrics for Markets program - time commitment is 5-6 hours over a three month period, and mentors will receive a stipend for their participation. This is a great opportunity for experienced market managers, click the button below to apply.

Apply to be a Metrics for Markets Mentor

WIC/FMNP Opportunity

Does your market have farmers interested in accepting WIC or Senior Farmers Market coupons? Do they sell in a county where the program operates?

Farmers must sell in a county where the program operates to be eligible (click HERE to see a map of the 32 eligible counties). Eligible farmers who are interested in participating should email Zachary Mabus at zachary.mabus@illinois.gov for more information and to apply for the program.

llinois Agriculture in the Classroom is offering resources to help educate kids about agriculture and farmers markets in Illinois!

IAITC generates resources for teachers to integrate agriculture themes and information about fresh produce that's grown in Illinois, helping to educate our next generation of potential growers, vendors and farmers market customers. Their brand new Farmers Market Ag Mag and Seasonal Farmers Market Posters are available at no cost to market managers and producers. Click HERE to request these fun, colorful resources for your market.

Save the date for the 2024 Everything Local Conference in Springfield, with keynote speaker Rick Bayless!

Application Open for Link Match Grant

Market season is coming, apply for a Link Match Grant for your farmers market! This great program offers a $1 for $1 match for customers using SNAP benefits at farmers markets. Link Up Illinois manages the Link Match Grant and works with markets throughout the state. Click HERE to apply for the program!

Markets must have an active FNS number in order to qualify for a Link Match grant.

Farmers markets are an essential part of our local food system! Join ILFMA and help in our mission to keep Illinois farmers and farmers markets going strong throughout the year. ILFMA members receive discounts for all ILFMA courses and classes and save on Manage My Market fees too.Use the button below to join, and click HERE to find out more about Manage My Market, the online platform that helps make your application process easier and more efficient.

Join ILFMA

Do you have a profile on MarketMaker, and are you registered in the Buy Fresh Buy Local Illinois directory? Register (or update your profile) at il.foodmarketmaker.com so you can take advantage of both of these great marketing tools for farmers and farmers markets.

This group connects farmers market managers across the state of Illinois, allowing them to network, discuss challenges, and most importantly share resources, inspiration, opportunities, and best practices. ILFMA supports working together to create opportunities for cross promotion locally, regionally and statewide!

Click here to request to join on Facebook

Our mission is to 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.

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Illinois Farmers Market Association · 734 Remington Lane · North Aurora, Il 60542 · USA