The World Farmers Markets Coalition continues to expand, strengthening our global network of organizations that believe in the power of farmers markets to support local food systems, empower producers, and build resilient communities.
We are delighted to welcome four new members to our Coalition, representing the Republic of the Congo, Bulgaria, Senegal, and Canada (Ontario). Each organization brings unique experience, strong community roots, and a shared commitment to supporting farmers, promoting local food, and creating more sustainable and inclusive food systems.
Together, these new members further enrich the diversity, knowledge, and global reach of our Coalition. We are excited to collaborate, learn from one another, and continue building a stronger international movement for farmers’ markets.
Concertation Nationale des Organisations Paysannes du Congo (CNOP-Congo) – Republic of the Congo
Founded in 2004 and officially recognized in 2007, the Concertation Nationale des Organisations Paysannes du Congo (CNOP-Congo) is the national platform bringing together farmers organizations and agricultural producer groups across the Republic of the Congo.
CNOP-Congo was created as a space where farmers, rural producers, women, young people, and other vulnerable communities can actively participate in decision-making processes and ensure their voices are reflected in agricultural policies and rural development strategies.
Its mission is to transform Congolese family farming into a strong, credible, and professional sector capable of contributing to food sovereignty, food security, poverty reduction, and national economic development.
The organization actively supports its members by promoting collective marketing initiatives that help producers transition toward market-oriented agriculture, encouraging the principle of “produce to sell” rather than simply “produce and sell.” CNOP-Congo also organizes agricultural fairs throughout the country, creating valuable opportunities for producers to showcase their products, strengthen local markets, and connect with consumers.
Hrankoop Sofia – Bulgaria
Hrankoop Sofia is Bulgaria’s first food cooperative dedicated to bringing together producers and consumers around clean, healthy, and sustainably produced food.
Established as an informal initiative in 2010 and officially registered as a cooperative in 2015, Hrankoop has grown into a vibrant community of members, producers, and consumers working together to create a more transparent, ethical, and resilient food system.
The cooperative’s mission is simple yet ambitious: to ensure access to healthy food through solidarity between producers and consumers at every stage of production, distribution, and quality control.
Its activities include organizing farmers markets, coordinating cooperative food deliveries, hosting educational events, supporting urban agriculture initiatives, providing catering services featuring local farm products, and promoting social and solidarity actions. Today, Hrankoop continues to demonstrate how cooperation can strengthen local food systems while creating meaningful connections between those who grow food and those who enjoy it.
Dakar Farmers Market – Senegal
The Dakar Farmers Market has become one of Senegal’s most vibrant community events, celebrating local food, craftsmanship, and community wellbeing.
Bringing together more than 100 vendors, the market showcases a rich variety of high-quality local food products and natural cosmetics while encouraging consumers to support local producers and artisans.
More than just a marketplace, the Dakar Farmers Market has evolved into a welcoming gathering place where families, friends, and colleagues from across Dakar come together to discover local products, connect with producers, and celebrate the diversity of Senegalese agriculture and entrepreneurship.
By promoting local consumption and strengthening connections between producers and consumers, the market plays an important role in supporting local businesses and fostering a stronger, healthier community.
Farmers’ Markets Ontario – Canada
Farmers’ Markets Ontario (FMO) is the official provincial association representing more than 180 farmers markets across Ontario, Canada.
Since its establishment in 1991, FMO has championed farmers markets as essential community institutions that not only provide access to fresh local food, but also support small businesses, strengthen local economies, attract tourism, and create vibrant gathering spaces for communities.
The organization provides a wide range of services to its members, including liability insurance, market management resources, professional training, government relations, marketing support, and educational opportunities. Through initiatives such as the MyPick® program, FMO also promotes verified local farmers and encourages consumers to support authentic local food.
Welcome to the Coalition!
We are proud to welcome CNOP-Congo, Hrankoop Sofia, Dakar Farmers Market, and Farmers’ Markets Ontario to the World Farmers Markets Coalition.
Their diverse experiences, from strengthening national farmers’ organizations and cooperative food systems to organizing vibrant community markets and supporting hundreds of farmers markets at the provincial level, reflect the richness and strength of our global network.
We look forward to working together, exchanging knowledge and best practices, and advancing our shared vision of resilient local food systems, thriving farmers markets, and stronger communities around the world.
Welcome to the Coalition!
