Census of Michigan Farmers Markets

Thank you for taking the Michigan Farmers Market Census!

Thank you for your participation in the Michigan Farmers Market Census project! The census is now closed and the compiled results will be shared soon. If you have any questions, please contact us at office@mifma.org.

About the Census

COVID-19 has changed most aspects of daily life in Michigan, including operations for markets managers, vendors, volunteers, and shoppers at Michigan’s nearly 250 farmers markets. The Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) is conducting a census of Michigan farmers markets to document how changes as a result of COVID-19 have impacted Michigan farmers markets. By collecting and studying the impacts on the 2020 farmers market season, MIFMA can have a clear picture of the changes and plan for anticipated needs for technical assistance, advocacy, and funding. 

Who can take the survey? This survey asks about many operational aspects of farmers markets in Michigan communities.  The person taking this survey should be someone who has knowledge of and access to information about all aspects of their market; usually this person is the Market Manager.  If not the market manager, they are most often another staff member from the market’s Operating Organization. Only one survey per market should be submitted. 

When is the survey available? The survey will be open from February 15 to March 31, 2021.

Who will have access to the results? Your participation is completely voluntary.  You are free to decline to answer any particular question you do not wish to answer for any reason.  Your individual answers will remain confidential and not be shared beyond the team conducting this census.  Published results will include only compiled data and not reveal individual answers that could be connected to your name, your market name, or your community name.

Why should I take this survey? By completing the 2021 Michigan Farmers Market Census, you are contributing to new statewide data that will help us understand the state of the farmers market sector in Michigan. 

All farmers markets in Michigan can benefit from the information we learn from this survey, because it will help us better understand:

• how markets in Michigan operate and how we are serving our respective communities, 
• needs that affect markets, including things that could lead to better support for markets, vendors, and shoppers
• how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted markets so far and what this might mean for the future

Compensation for Completing the Survey: Each market that completes the survey will be eligible to receive a $50 stipend and a discount for registration to the Michigan Farmers Market Conference* to be held virtually March 1 through 3, 2021 that brings the cost of the conference for one individual down to $50 for the full conference. The stipend can be paid directly to you or to your Operating Organization by check. Based on the length of the survey, we anticipate it will take each respondent 1 hour to complete. The more information you gather in advance, the less time it should take you to respond. 

*Conference registration closed on February 24, 2021. The discount will not be applicable for the 2022 Michigan Farmers Market Conference.

What documents or information do I need to complete the survey? This survey covers topics including your market operations and management, budget, personnel, partnerships, vendors, and customers. A full list of what you should know before completing the survey including the information you should gather before you begin can be found here. Please review this information before beginning to reduce your response time.