Market Manager Certificate Program

2024 Program Details

Program Dates:

The program will begin with two in-person sessions on January 19-20 in Flint, Michigan at the Flint Farmers Market, followed by seven webinars streamed live on weekday evenings. The program concludes with presentations the second to last week of February. 

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?

The cost for the full program is $350. 

Is in-person attendance required for the January 19-20 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, as well as being located in the Upper Peninsula. 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.

What topics are covered?

To review individual webinar and program objectives, please review the 2024 program brochure.

Where are the in-person sessions being held?

In-person sessions will be held at the Flint Farmers Market in Flint, Michigan. Additional information about in-person sessions will be distributed prior to the first meeting.

Are participants required to stay overnight in Flint in between the January 19 and 20 in-person sessions?

No. For those participants who do choose to stay overnight, the Hilton Garden Inn Flint Downtown and Holiday Inn Express: Flint-Campus Area are located within a reasonable distance of the market.

Do I have to be a MIFMA member to participate?

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.

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 2024 Program

Scholarship applications for the 2024 Market Manager Certificate Program are now closed.