The Ohio Farmers Market Network (OFMN) was formed in 2008 to connect Ohio market managers and vendors to determine common needs in order to create successful, cost-effective, and sustainable markets of every size.
Today, the Network is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides Ohio farmers markets, farmers and food producers with resources, tools, networking opportunities and a unified voice for public policy. Our work strengthens farmers markets throughout Ohio, but has greater impact where markets collaborate with one another, their farmers and food producers, and stakeholders within their communities.
Simply put, the Ohio Farmers Market Network supports and educates farmers market managers, producers and their stakeholders, in support of resilient, direct-to-consumer marketplaces.
And our vision for the future? A vibrant Ohio food system where the regional agricultural community is the predominant source of nutritious food for all people, regardless of income.
Show your support for our work and progress towards sustainable markets and profitable farmers and food producers by becoming a member today!
For Managers
The Ohio Farmers Market Network believes that farmers market managers, like any other professional, should be paid for their work. But like other professionals, market managers should commit themselves to continuously learning and advancing their careers through educational and networking opportunities.
OFMN is proud to support those efforts by coordinating and producing activities that contribute to professional development. Whether it be one-on-one conversation, the general coordination of a region, or workshop opportunities, we are proud to support farmers markets by supporting their leaders.
For Vendors
Farmers markets can provide an incredible opportunity to farmers and food producers looking to sell their products directly to consumers. They can also be incredibly challenging.
Farmers and food producers must navigate the many variations of farmers markets throughout Ohio, as no two markets are alike. The Ohio Farmers Market Network seeks to ease that burden by working together with farmers and food producers, market managers and stakeholders to implement basic standards such as insurance and licensing.
We do this by representing the interests of farmers market managers and vendors on advisory committees and boards, such as the Ohio Department of Health and the Ohio Department of Agriculture committees on mobile food service operations and mobile retail food establishments.
In time, the Ohio Farmers Market Network hopes to offer workshops, toolkits and other beneficial resources to farmers market vendors.
