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.
What is cost to participate?
The cost to participate in the 2027 program is $500. An early-bird registration rate of $450 is available through the end of November.
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, 2027, at office@mifma.org.
Additionally, scholarships are available annually through the Julia A. Darnton Scholarship Fund. Find more information on that below.
Is in-person attendance required for the in-person sessions?
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.
Where are the in-person sessions being held? What time?
The exact location in Detroit will be announced no by mid-December. 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.
Is lunch included for participants at the in-person kick off?
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).
Are participants required to stay overnight for the in-person sessions?
No. For those participants who do choose to stay overnight, MIFMA will provide recommendations closer to the program start date.
What topics are covered?
Review the program brochure here!
When will the webinars occur?
Webinars are streamed live from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. EST on Monday and Wednesday evenings.
Do I have to be a MIFMA member to participate?
Markets must be MIFMA members to register for the full program. 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?
Are the in-person sessions always held in the same place?
MIFMA selects the location of the in-person sessions annually based on a variety of factors, and the in-person session location for the program kickoff changes year to year. The in-person sessions for the 2027 Market Manager Certificate Program will be held in the metro Detroit area.
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
More information coming soon!
2022 Program Participant