Become A Member

Thank you for your interest in joining MIFMA and becoming part of the statewide network of community-driven marketplace representatives and organizational friends!

Who can become a member?

MIFMA offers two kinds of memberships, Community-Driven Marketplaces and Organizational Friends.

Community-Driven Marketplaces are defined as farmers markets and programs directly facilitating the exchange between consumers and producers of local food and farm products. Examples of Community-Driven Marketplaces may include farmers markets, CSA programs, mobile markets, food box programs, farm stops, and more.

Organizational Friends are organizations that support community-driven marketplaces that connect consumers with local food and farm products. Examples of Organizational Friends may include local health departments, marketing organizations, trade associations, and more. 

How much does it cost to be a member?

As of July 2023, membership dues are self-selected by each member based on their assessment of their own capacity, with a minimum amount of $100.  Membership dues amount should be based on the total annual revenue or expenditures, whichever is greater.

All members will receive continued high quality communication, resources, and technical assistance regardless of dues paid. Membership dues are nonrefundable.

Recommended Dues for Members:

 

Need help determining your market’s budget? Check out our resource here!

How do I become a member?

Click here to become a member!

Current members can manage their memberships, including renewals, through the member portal at MIFMA.org/Login.

What are the benefits of becoming a member?

Reduced Rates.

Receive reduced rates at MIFMA educational programs and events. See our Events for upcoming opportunities.

Special Offers.

Members-only offers and reduced rates on MIFMA Rapid Market Assessments and market evaluation services.

Voting Privileges.

Active members have the opportunity to elect the Board of Directors and vote on other issues that may come before the membership.

Policy Voice.

MIFMA advocates for state and federal policies that support farmers markets. Each year our MIFMA Advocacy Committee takes a leadership role in developing our MIFMA Advocacy Priorities.

Up-to-date Information.

Receive information on all Michigan farmers market happenings through our lively farmers market listserv.

Promotion. 

All farmers market members receive an enhanced listing on our Find a Farmers Market feature.

Networking.

Join the community of MIFMA members dedicated to the mission of advancing Michigan farmers markets. Learn from other members through networking and peer-to-peer learning opportunities, including a private Michigan Farmers Market Managers Facebook group!

Technical Assistance Services. 

Access to a volunteer team of farmers market practitioners (MIFMA Board, staff, and committee members) to answer your questions.

Taste the Local Difference Partnership

The Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) and Taste the Local Difference (TLD) have a long history of supporting the local food community in Michigan. Since 2017, the organizations have offered exchange service benefits, providing even more support to the state’s local farms and farmers markets. Participating members/partners of either organization receive reduced rates on services from the other. MIFMA members receive a 15% discount on Taste the Local Difference marketing services, including listings in the Local Food Guide. TLD Partners receive discounted MIFMA member rates for educational sessions, workshops, and the annual Michigan Farmers Market Conference. ​This exchange allows more Michigan farms and farmers markets to benefit from the expertise and support of these two organizations. Please contact tricia@localdifference.org or hailey@mifma.org for more information

Farmers Market Coalition Partnership 

Members of MIFMA now have access to a complimentary membership to the Farmers Market Coalition.

Can I become a member if I don't fit into one of the categories above?

As of July 1, 2023, the engagement structure for the individuals in the following categories will be shifting as well:

  • Farmers/vendors

  • Farmers/vendors that sell at MIFMA markets

  • Student

  • Individual

We will begin engaging with these individuals in more personalized ways that eliminate static membership dues and offer customizable ways for these folks to engage in MIFMA programs and events and to support the work of our organization. In the meantime, MIFMA invites you to learn more about other ways to engage with our work and get involved here.

Supporting and engaging with farmers and vendors has and continues to be a priority at MIFMA. While we will be phasing out our paid Farmer/Vendor level memberships by 2024, we’re dedicated to continuing to serve these important members of the local food system. Stay tuned for more information on this effort!

All MIFMA memberships purchased prior to July 1, 2023 will remain current through their original expiration date, but will not be automatically renewed.

How long does my membership last?

Beginning July 1, 2023, all memberships purchased will be active for January 1 through December 31, 2024.

After July 1, 2024, any memberships purchased in the last 6 months of the year will be for the year ahead and any memberships purchased in the first 6 months of the year will be for the current calendar year. If you purchase your membership in the last 6 months of the year, you will still receive MIFMA member benefits.

Given the cyclical nature of the farmers market community in Michigan, including the work of our organization, this static, calendar year membership term streamlines membership processes and gives MIFMA staff more time to provide technical assistance and support to our members during the times when you need it most.