WorldFMC’s Richard McCarthy (second from left) and PPS’s Kelly Verel (far right) at the 12th International Public Markets Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 2025. Courtesy: Project for Public Spaces

WorldFMC and Project for Public Spaces Join Forces to Strengthen Public Markets Worldwide

The World Farmers Markets Coalition (WorldFMC) and Project for Public Spaces (PPS) have formalized a new partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking an important step towards strengthening collaboration and promoting the role of public markets around the world.

Through this agreement, the two organizations commit to working together to foster the exchange of international knowledge, experiences and best practices, while identifying opportunities for collaboration across their respective projects and programmes. By bringing together their networks and expertise, WorldFMC and PPS aim to create new connections, encourage mutual learning and further support the development of vibrant, inclusive and sustainable public markets.

The partnership builds on a shared understanding of the value of markets beyond their economic function. Markets are important spaces for local communities, connecting producers and consumers, supporting local economies and contributing to more inclusive and resilient food systems.

First steps towards continued collaboration

As first concrete steps in this partnership, WorldFMC invited Kelly Verel, Co-Executive Director of Project for Public Spaces (PPS), to join the jury of the WorldFMC Awards 2026. In addition, WorldFMC President Richard McCarthy will serve as a reviewer for PPS’s Call for Proposals for the 13th International Public Markets Conference, which will take place May 20-22, 2027 in New York City. The Call for Proposals closes on Friday, November 13, 2026, at 11:59pm ET. 

This collaboration represents the beginning of a broader relationship. In the coming months, WorldFMC and PPS will continue exploring opportunities to exchange expertise, connect their respective networks and develop joint activities that contribute to strengthening public markets and the communities they serve. 

Getting to know Project for Public Spaces and the Market Cities Network

Project for Public Spaces (PPS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating and sustaining public spaces that build stronger communities. Through its Market Cities Program, PPS works to support public markets and the people committed to their success.

An important part of this initiative is the Market Cities Network, an international platform bringing together public market practitioners, including operators, NGOs, researchers and other stakeholders. The network provides opportunities to exchange knowledge, build relationships and strengthen markets and the communities around them.

Through this work, PPS contributes to a global conversation on the importance of markets of all kinds, supporting the people and organizations working to ensure their continued vitality.

The partnership between WorldFMC and PPS opens up new opportunities to connect these international communities and work towards a shared goal: ensuring that public markets continue to thrive and contribute to stronger, more sustainable local food systems.