Market Manager Certificate Program

2023 Program Details

Program Dates:

The 2023 program offers options for both a hybrid and a fully virtual experience.

• The hybrid program will begin with two in-person sessions on January 20 and January 21 in Jackson, Michigan, followed by seven webinars. The program concludes on February 18.
• The virtual program will run from January 4 to February 15 with twelve webinars spread across the program’s duration.
• All webinars are streamed live on weekday evenings.

Technology Requirements:

All participants need access to a computer with an Internet connection. Webinars are streamed live via Zoom and recorded for later viewing. Internet access is also required to access the platform used to share class resources, engage in discussions, and complete webinar quizzes.

Individual Webinars:

We welcome registration to individual webinars from the general public. Those attending individual webinars will receive an informative program and supporting resources, but will not receive a certificate. Full program participants do not need to register for individual webinars.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cost to participate?

Registration is available at a reduced price of $300 through November 30th. After that date, registration will be available through January 2, 2023 at the full program rate of $350.

What topics are covered?

To review individual webinar and program objectives, please review the program brochure.

Where are the in-person sessions for the hybrid option being held?

In-person sessions will be held in Jackson, Michigan at the Carnegie Library. Additional information about in-person sessions will be distributed prior to the first meeting.

Are participants required to stay overnight in Jackson in between the January 20 and 21st in-person sessions?

No. For those participants who do choose to stay overnight in Jackson, the Tru by Hilton and Home2 Suites are located within a reasonable distance of the library.

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.

Where can I direct additional questions or concerns?

Please contact MIFMA Programs Manager Jenny Radon with any questions about the program at jenny@mifma.org or by phone at (517) 432-3381.

Julia A. Darnton Scholarship Fund

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

Scholarship Applications for 2023 Program

Scholarship applications for the 2023 MMCP Program are now closed. Scholarship applications for the 2024 program will open in late 2023.