The Ohio Farmers Market Network (OFMN) is committed to helping you keep your farmers market vibrant and profitable.
Farmers markets are essential to our regional food system. As are the farmers, food producers and market managers who make them possible. As one of the few direct-to-consumer sales opportunities for small family farmers and food producers, farmers markets maintain a vital place in Ohio’s healthy economy. The Ohio Farmers Market Network (OFMN) is committed to helping you keep your farmers market vibrant and profitable.
For the purpose of understanding who you are, how we can best serve you, and what the work of our organization should look like going forward, we have defined a farmers market as:
A public, recurring assembly of farmers and food businesses selling products that they grow or produce directly to consumers.
Definition doesn’t fit, huh? How about one of these?
Farm Market - A farm market is a producer operated facility where fresh fruits and vegetables and other food items are offered for sale. If this defines your business or activity, click here to register with the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
Festival or special event - A celebration that may contain agricultural or food products, but operates for a short period of time, and does not happen on a weekly basis. If this defines your event or activity, you’re welcome to register with the Ohio Farmers Market Network, as we’re pleased to support agriculture and food producers throughout Ohio.
Still not finding a definition that fits? Email us at hello@ohiofarmersmarketnetwork.org. It may be that we’re behind the times and leaving out an important local food focused activity. It may also be that the Ohio Farmers Market Network simply isn’t the organization to adequately represent you. And if that’s the case, we can still be friends, but let us help you find the right organization to represent your needs.
FARMERS MARKET REGISTRATION
Did you know that the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) no longer requires farmers markets to register annually? This presents two challenges: patrons have no easy way to find a market and OFMN no longer has a way to coordinate or promote farmers markets in our state. But don’t worry! We're ready to jump in and offer support to Ohio's farmers markets. Please take 5 minutes to fill out a short registration form for your farmers market. Together, we can work towards better understanding and communicating the social, economic and environmental impact Ohio's farmers markets are making each year!
MEMBERSHIP
The Network’s continued success comes from a broad base of support within the state, including your annual membership. With your support, OFMN will continue in its mission to “support and strengthen farmers markets in Ohio” by providing them with resources, tools, networking opportunities and a unified voice for public policy.
Your membership is important to us, as it has always been. And your financial support is even more valued considering the limited budgets from which many of us operate.
That is why this year’s membership will cost $0,
with a completed OFMN registration.
That’s right - nothing, nada, zilch!
That said, if you are able to continue with a financial contribution, we would be most appreciative. But for this year, simply registering your market with the Ohio Farmers Market Network will constitute membership for 2022. Click here to register your farmers market today.
Now, you might be asking yourself, “What are the benefits to membership? Why should I (or my farmers market) be a member?" We’re glad you asked!
Members of the Ohio Farmers Market Network receive the following:
- FREE Farmers Market Coalition membership
- Discount on Ohio Farmers Market Conference registration
- Discounts on training opportunities
- And more!
To say we’re excited for what’s ahead is an understatement! We can’t wait to serve you better in the years ahead.
If you have any questions, please email us hello@ohiofarmersmarketnetwork.org. Otherwise, we’re wishing health and prosperity for all of you in 2022!