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about the federation
| Overview |
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Founded in 1978, The Federation of Massachusetts Farmers' Markets (FMFM) is a service organization dedicated to the needs of Farmers, Consumers and Communities. We work closely with, and are aided by UMASS Cooperative Extension and the Massachusetts Department of Food and Agriculture. The FMFM is a public, non-profit organization with 501(c) (3) tax status. We invite multiple levels of membership, including dues paying farmers and farmers' markets. We are managed by a volunteer Board of Directors operating under our Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws. An office staff under the Executive Director is responsible for implementing Federation programs and activities.
The Federation staff and members work with community development groups to help with revitalization of towns and city centers. Colorful, open air Farmers' Markets bring a freshness to the life of neighborhoods. In addition to providing a unique shopping experience for residents, workers and visitors, markets provide a natural setting for special events. A more active and attractive downtown brings more traffic to businesses.
Sensitive to the needs of farmers, consumers, and community developers, we strive to maintain the success of Farmers' Markets in Massachusetts so that everyone continues to benefit. While our organization stresses the importance of unity, our programming assures that each member Market and Farmer will retain the individuality that is necessary in a successful market place.
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| 2008 Board of Directors |
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Sara Coblyn Porth (President), UVM Extension and Atlas Farm (S. Deerfield, MA)
Sarah Kline (Vice President), Marketing Consultant (Cambridge, MA)
Nick Pavey(Treasurer), Consumer Representative (Arlington, MA)
Andrew Pollock (Clerk), Silverbrook Farm (Dartmouth, MA)
Barbara Anglin, Plymouth Farmers Market (Plymouth, MA)
Ilene Bezahler, Edible Boston Magazine (Brookline, MA)
Cory Clarke, Shootflying Hill Sauce Company (Brookline, MA)
David Gilson, The Herb Lyceum (Groton, MA)
Barbara Hamilton, Hamilton Orchards (New Salem, MA)
Barbara Hanley, Shy Brothers Farm (Westport, MA)
William Hopkins, CT Dept. of Agriculture (retired) (Cambridge, MA)
David Hough, Northeastern University (Dorchester, MA)
Peg Mallet, Russell's Garden Center (Wayland, MA)
Karen Spiller, Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA (Boston, MA)
Douglas Sweet, Sweet Solutions Mediation (Newton, MA)
Heli Tomford, Belmont Farmers' Market Committee (Belmont, MA)
Karen Turer, Consumer Representative (Arlington, MA)
David Webber, Department of Agricultural Resources (Boston, MA)
The next Board of Directors meeting will be held Monday, March 24th from 4:30 pm - 7:30pm at our offices in Waltham.
FMFM's Board of Directors' Meetings are open to the public. If you are interested attending any Board Meeting or subcommittee meeting, please contact Staff for information, directions, or to ask questions.
In addition, there will be various subcommittee meetings of the Board dealing with such topics as Fundraising, MArket Operations and Policy, Budget, and Personnel to name a few. Please contact Staff for more information.
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| Message from the Board |
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There are over 140 farmers markets' in Massachusetts of which the minority are managed by FMFM.
We encourage vendors, town and city officials and members of the community to seek out those marketing frameworks which best meet their economic and philosophical needs.
The Federation will facilitate, as part of our charitable charter, networking among all markets, communities, and vendors in the search for marketing alternatives.
The Federation is not a regulatory organization.
We are interested in facilitating appropriate and successful farmers' markets.
We do, of course, strongly recommend that all entities maintain compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws.
FMFM does not have the authority to change or override the numerous regulatory concerns imposed by law, but will participate with the appropriate entities in resolving problems encountered by our members.
Farmers and Markets seeking to impact the course of laws and regulation are encouraged to become members of Massachusetts Farm Bureau.
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| 2007 Board of Advisors |
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Andrew Pollock (Boston City Hall), Stephen Parker (Cambridge), Dave Gilson (Copley Square), Martha Hanson (Framingham), Marie Hills (Somerville, Davis Square), Tabitha Bean and Tommy Nicewicz (Somerville, Union Square)
The Board of Advisors hold two meetings per year:
- A Spring Meeting
- An Autumn/Winter Meeting (in conjunction with the Federation's Annual Meeting)
If you are interested in a seat on the Board of Advisors for Year 2007, please contact the Executive Director.
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| Collaborations |
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Members of the Federation's staff and membership have come to be recognized as industry leaders in our state. They are frequently asked to participate in meetings and forums as representatives of the Federation of Massachusetts Farmers' Markets. Representation allows our organization to have an influence on policies and initiatives that have a direct impact on farmers' markets, and local agriculture in general. Though it is not often recognized formally, the net result of the organization's outreach activities is one of the most valuable benefits of membership to the Federation of Massachusetts Farmers' Markets. Here is a partial listing of groups and associations whose meetings are regularly attended by key FMFM staff and directors:
- Massachusetts Agricultural Marketing Task Force
- Massachusetts Farmers' Market Coupon Program
- New England Vegetable and Berry Growers' Promotion Committee
- Massachusetts Association of Roadside Stands Board of Directors
- UMASS Extension Vegetable Team Advisory Committee
- Massachusetts 5-A-Day Coalition
- Slowfood USA
- North American Farmers' Direct Marketing Association
- Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation, County Boards of Directors
- Massachusetts Agricultural Promotion Board
- Boston Public Market Association
- The Farmers' Market Coalition
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