EAST LANSING, MI –The Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) is proud to announce that it has updated its organizational structure to function as an independent public charity with tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. Before this time, MIFMA operated as a program of Michigan Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS), a non-profit organization whose mission is dedicated to supporting the many faces of farming, particularly beginning and historically underserved farmers.
“MIFMA’s successful expansion exemplifies what is possible through strong collaborations,” states Michelle Napier-Dunnings, MIFFS Executive Director. “Now, as separate partner organizations, we have the potential to leverage additional resources while collaboratively serving Michigan’s diverse farmers and consumers.”
MIFMA was initially established under MIFFS in 2006 as a statewide association to promote local food consumption in Michigan by connecting more farmers to consumers through farmers markets. MIFMA continues to work with and for farmers market organizers, managers, farmers, vendors and friends to create a thriving marketplace for local food and farm products.
“This is an exciting achievement for MIFMA. We are grateful for the leadership of MIFFS as they’ve helped us establish and grow over the years. Our team is looking forward to the opportunities this milestone will make available to the organization and our members while continuing to work closely with other partner organizations like MIFFS,” explains Dru Montri, MIFMA Executive Director.
MIFMA defines a farmers market as a public and recurring assembly of farmers or their representatives selling direct-to-consumer food and products, which they have produced themselves. In addition, the market may include a variety of vendors as determined by market management. A farmers market is organized for the purpose of facilitating personal connections that create mutual benefits for local farmers, vendors, shoppers and communities. MIFMA places farmers markets at the forefront of the local food movement and works to ensure all residents have access to healthy, locally grown food and that Michigan farmers markets receive policy support.
Today, MIFMA works with members from across Michigan to maintain its mission and attain its vision. Those interested in joining as a MIFMA member can do so by visiting www.mifma.org