The countdown has begun! As we approach May 22, the International Day for Biological Diversity, we’re gearing up to kick off FMCOUNT!, our brand-new global campaign dedicated to showing just how much farmers markets count for biodiversity, for local food systems, and for farmers themselves.
From May 19–25, markets across the globe will join forces to count and showcase food biodiversity, spotlighting the wide variety of local products, unique plant varieties, and traditional foods found at farmers markets. This is more than a campaign, it’s a celebration of the role farmers markets play in creating a healthier, more sustainable, and more inclusive food future.
Preparing for FMCOUNT!
In the lead-up to this exciting moment, we’ve been working behind the scenes to make sure you’re fully equipped to take part. Over the past few weeks, we’ve hosted a series of webinars and training sessions to introduce the campaign, walk participants through the tools, and ensure everyone is ready to capture, report, and amplify the story of their market.
If you missed any of these sessions don’t worry, you can still rewatch the recordings and download the presentation slides:
Rewatch the webinars on our YouTube channel
Download the slides and training resources
Why FMCOUNT! Matters
FMCOUNT! was created to highlight the critical yet often overlooked role farmers markets play in:
– Preserving food biodiversity
– Providing access to fresh, healthy, and local food
– Empowering marginalized farmers, including women, youth, and Indigenous producers
The campaign is especially targeted at policymakers, farmers, and potential partners in public health, food systems, rural development, and urban planning, the very people who can help support and scale the positive impact of farmers markets.
Upcoming Key Dates
Mark your calendars! Here’s what’s coming up:
· April 22: How to Use Canva – Learn tools & techniques to create beautiful visuals for your market
· April 29: Photo & Video Skills at Farmers Markets – Tips to capture the best stories on camera
· May 19–25: Biodiversity Counting Week begins in celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22)
· July 3–10: Farmer Counting Week for World Rural Development Day (July 6)
· October 12–18: Shopper Counting Week during the Week of World Food Day (October 16) All campaign activities and sessions are listed in our shared calendar
Don’t miss out — Registration is mandatory!
To receive the official campaign materials, including data collection forms, communication templates, and promotional graphics, you must complete the FMCOUNT! application form. Without registering, you won’t receive the resources you need to put the campaign into action.
Apply now to participate in FMCOUNT
Apply now to participate in FMCOUNT!
This is your chance to boost your market’s visibility, share your story with a global audience, and show the world why farmers markets are vital to our food systems and communities. Whether you’re a market organizer, vendor, policymaker, or just a passionate supporter, FMCOUNT! is for you.
Let’s make farmers markets count together.
