The Market Manager Certificate Program is a voluntary program designed by the Michigan Farmers Market Association to encourage farmers market managers to pursue leadership skills and professional development on topics essential to market management.
The cost for the full program is $500.
MIFMA acknowledges that the cost of this program may create a financial barrier to participation for some individuals and organizations. We are open to discussing alternative and/or reduced payment options for this program with anyone who contacts us by January 6, 2025 at office@mifma.org or 517-432-3381. If you’re looking for a full scholarship option, please use the Julia A. Darnton Scholarship Fund Application below.
Exemptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Examples of potentially qualifying factors for an exemption include health, childcare, or lodging barriers. MIFMA staff have the sole discretion to approve or deny any requests for an exemption.
Conflicting personal or professional engagements on the date of an in-person session will not be considered for exemption.
To review individual webinar and program objectives, please review the program brochure.
In-person sessions will be held at the Alpena Events Complex in Alpena, Michigan on January 17th and 18th. Additional information about in-person sessions will be distributed to participants prior to the first meeting.
Sessions will begin at 10 AM and conclude at 4:30 PM on both Friday and Saturday. We invite participants to arrive slightly before 10 AM to check in and get settled so educational content can begin promptly. Additional information about in-person sessions will be distributed to participants prior to the first meeting.
Morning refreshments and lunch are provided. MIFMA is able to offer omnivore, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meal options. If you have dietary needs beyond those listed, please plan to bring your own meal(s).
No. For those participants who do choose to stay overnight, our hosts in Alpena recommend the Days Inn by Wyndham Alpena or the Alpena Resorts Motel. Overnight accomodations are not included in the program registration fee.
Webinars are streamed live from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. EST on Monday and Wednesday evenings.
Markets must be MIFMA members to register for the full program. Become a member here!
Anyone may register for and participate in individual webinars, though MIFMA and Taste the Local Difference members receive a discount on registration costs. Individual webinar registration coming soon.
How do I register for the program?
Register here! Please note that in order to apply, you must log in to the account your membership is attributed to.
When is the deadline to register?
The deadline for registration is January 10, 2025.
Please contact MIFMA Programs Director Jenny Radon with any questions about the program at jenny@mifma.org or by phone at (517) 432-3381.
In 2011, the Michigan Farmers Market Association launched the Market Manager Certificate Program (MMCP) with the goal of professionalizing the role of farmers market managers. Becoming a certified market manager equips individuals with the skills, abilities, and networks necessary to provide leadership for thriving farmers markets.
Throughout the history of this program that has certified over 350 market managers across 6 states, there has been one individual who has made significant personal and professional investments in helping the program and the market managers it trains succeed. Julia Darnton is not only an alumnus of the inaugural class, but she continues to go above and beyond to support the program each and every year
Whether in her capacity as a former board member of the Downtown Saginaw Farmers’ Market, as a MIFMA Board member and professional development committee chairperson, or in her role as an Educator with MSU Extension, Julia has invested countless hours and immeasurable energy in helping this program become the premier certification program in the nation. Julia has hosted dozens of webinars, delivered presentations on a variety of topics, helped identify and recruit participants and presenters, helped craft program design and delivery, and served as an advocate for program resources. Without Julia’s investment, the program would not be what it is today.
In 2019, thanks to the generous contributions from our supporters, the fund supported program registration and travel expenses for its first Market Manager Certificate Program scholarship recipient. The support enabled a Michigan farmers market manager to invest in their professional development and strengthen their own farmers market community.
In honor of Julia’s investment, MIFMA requests your support of the Julia A. Darnton Market Manager Certificate Program Scholarship Fund.
Click here to complete the donation form online
Click here for a downloadable donation form
Applications for the Julia A. Darnton Scholarship Fund are now closed.
2022 Program Participant