Membership Has Its Benefits
Whether you manage an established farmers’ market or are preparing to start one in Ontario, Farmers’ Markets Ontario® (FMO) is here to help.
Membership connects your market with practical resources, specialized programs, professional development and a province-wide network of market managers, farmers and vendors. It also gives your market a voice in conversations that affect farmers’ markets and local food across Ontario.
Help Shape Ontario’s Farmers’ Market Community
FMO members can help guide the organization’s priorities by voting at the Annual General Meeting, sharing their perspectives and applying to serve on the FMO Board of Directors.
Advocacy and Support
FMO represents and supports member markets in discussions with municipalities, regulators, funders and other community partners.
We work to raise awareness of the contribution farmers’ markets make to Ontario agriculture, local economies and community life.
Market Management Resources
Members can access an extensive online library of practical resources, including:
- Market management tools, templates and forms
- Vendor recruitment information
- Food-safety and risk-management resources
- Marketing and promotional materials
- Media and communications tips
- Special-event planning guidance
- Training and professional development
Learning and Networking
Connect with market managers from across Ontario to share ideas, discuss challenges and learn from one another.
Member opportunities include FMO’s annual symposium, educational programs, professional development sessions and the online Market Managers Facebook Forum.
Promotion for Your Market
Member markets can be included in FMO’s online market finder, helping Ontario shoppers discover farmers’ markets in their communities.
FMO also promotes member markets and vendors through provincial communications, social media, videos and other promotional activities. Members can display the FMO member logo at their market and in their communications.
Specialized Market Insurance
Eligible members can access group rates through FMO’s specialized commercial general liability insurance program for farmers’ markets.
Insurance needs and eligibility vary. Markets should review the current policy details and speak with the insurance provider to make sure the coverage is right for their operations.
MyPick® Verified Local Farmer® Program
The MyPick® program helps shoppers identify participating farmers who sell products grown or produced on their own farms.
FMO visits participating farms and verifies the products covered by the program, helping farmers build trust and giving shoppers greater transparency about where their food comes from.
Certification Programs
FMO offers online certification and learning opportunities for market managers and vendors.
Course topics may include:
- Market management and leadership
- Marketing and promotion
- Merchandising and product displays
- Customer service
- Vendor best practices
- Strategies for building a successful market business
Awards of Excellence
FMO’s annual Awards of Excellence recognize member markets, special events and innovative projects that make a positive contribution to their communities and Ontario’s farmers’ market sector.
Preferred Offers for Members
Members may receive preferred pricing on selected products and services from participating FMO partners, including offers from Impact Canopy Canada.
Offers and eligibility may change, so members should review the latest information before making a purchase.
Benefits for Market Vendors
Vendors can join FMO’s Market Vendor Member Program for $25 plus HST.
Current benefits include:
- Preferred pricing for Duuo vendor insurance
- Free access to FMO’s online Vendor
- Certification Program
- Special pricing from Impact Canopy Canada
- Access to selected FMO resources and partner offers
The program is designed for vendors who participate in farmers’ markets and special events across Ontario.