Since our very first gathering at the Campagna Amica Circo Massimo Farmers Market in 2021—where farmers market associations from around the world came together to showcase products, exchange knowledge, and share best practices in response to the COVID-19 crisis— WorldFMC has experienced remarkable growth in both network and capacity. Today, we represent over 70 farmers market associations across 50 countries—and we continue growing!
Becoming a member of the WorldFMC is both a relief and a reward. It’s a relief because you no longer feel like the only crazy person setting up tents at 6 AM so farmers can sell their products at fair prices and citizens can access healthy, local, and seasonal food. And it’s a reward because you become part of a vast network of inspiring people who believe in the same values as you do, exchanging ideas, learning, and growing together.
WorldFMC membership has given us a platform to collaborate with like-minded market leaders worldwide. Through shared knowledge, best practices, and a collective vision, we can create stronger, more sustainable farmers’ markets that benefit both producers and consumers. (Achala Samaradivakara, Co-founder – Managing Director Good Market, Sri Lanka).
I had been running farmers markets in Nairobi, Kenya for more than 13 years, it was great – but lonely. With the Farmers Market Coalition, for once I felt I belong to like minded individuals passionate about transforming local food system and impacting our respective communities. Initiatives like MAMi Project – thanks to World Farmers Market Coalition, have contributed massively in touching the lives of smallholder farmers in Nairobi, Kenya. Farmers have a home where they can sell directly to consumers, cutting out the middle-men and improving their income. (Dennis Andaye – Secretary General, Regional Coalition For Farmers Market, Kenya).
In these first, yet incredibly intense, years of work, the coalition has served as an open space—both digitally and in person—for connection, capacity building, and problem-solving through our Academy and peer-to-peer learning. More than that, it has become a place where cultural and productive (bio)diversity is valued, embraced, and celebrated.
I’ve had the great pleasure and privilege of being with the World Farmers Markets Coalition since its inception, and have since seen it grow into a pragmatic, results-driven international movement in short order. Being a part of this thriving international community allows my provincial farmers’ market cooperative and the members of our national coalition to share resources and best practices with colleagues from across the globe. I’ve never been a part of an organization that does “think global, act local” better than the World Farmers Markets Coalition, and I’m proud to be a member of this global community of practice! (Justin Cantafio – Executive Director, Farmers’ Markets of Nova Scotia – Co-founder & President, Canadian Farmers Markets, Canada).
In this time of uncertainty, when fundamental values of humanity and inclusion seem disenfranchised, breaking down physical and social barriers to build transnational, transcultural connections and collaborations is more important than ever.
As our beloved colleagues Eman Saif and Victor Flores say:
By joining the WorldFMC , individuals of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce became part of a movement that champions local food systems, strengthens communities , and promotes sustainable agriculture in our country. By being a member we gained access to workshops, webinars, and best practices that enhance our understanding of sustainable farming , market management, and customer engagement as well. (Eman Seif – Deputy secretary general of the Alexandria chamber of commerce, Egypt).
The WFMC has given us the opportunity to exchange and integrate ideas and practices from a global community of experienced food enthusiasts into our weekly market, making it a more organized and coherent space. Besides, the fact of being an active member of the WFMC, gives a sense of pride to our farmers, vendors and clients who recognize themselves as part of something bigger. Making wonderful friends is just the cherry on top of the cake. (Victor Flores, Market Founder and Coordinator Feria de Productores, Guadalajara, México)
WorldFMC is created to promote and advocate for farmers markets and to benefit and represent the associations who manage them. Our services include:
- A global communications hub to foster knowledge and information exchange, digitally and in person
- The Academy – a multidisciplinary community of practice among members and practitioners in the field
- Strategic advisory services to the field through projects development, capacity building, and evaluation
Becoming a member of the WorldFMC would allow:
- Access to our global community of practices via multiple communication channels for seamless and real-time exchange with practitioners and experts from around the world
- Priority participation in WorldFMC events, such as the General Assembly, Regional meetings, and many more
- Member voting rights at the General Assembly and eligibility for election to the board of directors
- Access to our Academy and its content such as on-demand recorded courses, interactive live-streamed workshops of various formats, virtual and in-person laboratories and affinity group communities, members-only training opportunities, and a library of extensive resources shared by our members
- First in line for WorldFMC-led projects participation
- Help with national and international matchmaking
If you are curious to learn more about how to become a member of the WorldFMC, reach out to members@worldfmc.org – we will be happy to introduce you to our community and farmers markets world!
