Iowa Farmers
Market Association
We believe that farmers markets are important to local and state economy, the health of our communities, and sustainable agriculture.
IFMA is dedicated to encourage the producers and entrepreneurs who make Iowa's terrific farmers markets possible, and to helping people find and enjoy their local farmers market.
IFMA sponsors the annual Farmers Market Workshop, which provides training and continuing education for market managers and vendors.
The 2010 Workshop as a success! Many thanks to our friends and sponsors.
Bob Haxton, Iowa Dept. of Inspections and Appeals, provided valuable information about Iowa's requirements for farmers market food safety, licensing, etc. Here are the handouts: (select to download)
- Contracting Health Depts.
- Application to sell potentially hazardous food at a Farmers Market
- Application for a Mobile Food Unit license
- Temporary Food Stand Hand-washing Set-up
- Applicable Iowa Code
- Farmers Market Requirements
Prof. Catherine H Strohbehn, ISU HRIM Extension Specialist, presented information about food safety for growers. Here are the handouts and the presentation: (select to download)
Reasons to Shop at
Your Local Farmers Market
Locally grown food is better for you.
The produce for sale at the Market was picked just hours before you buy it, not days or weeks before and then shipped here. It is crisp, sweet and loaded with flavor and nutrients.
Locally grown food tastes better.
Commercial fruit and vegetables are hybrid types with tough skins that are grown for looks and shipping, not for flavor.
It’s part of green living.
Less fuel is used to get locally grown food to the Market. Produce is grown within easy driving distance of the Market.
Buying locally grown food supports nearby producers and farm families.
Your money goes right to the grower, instead of to large corporations and freight companies.
Shopping at the Market builds community.
You get acquainted with the growers, learn about the produce, and often see friends and neighbors.
Locally grown food preserves our open spaces.
Because buying locally grown food is increasing, selling farmland for development becomes less likely.
Local food keeps your taxes in check.
Farms contribute more in taxes than they require in services.
Local food supports a clean environment and benefits wildlife.
Family farms value the resources of fertile soil and clean water.
Local food is about the future.
By supporting local farmers today, you can help ensure that there will be farms in our area tomorrow, and that future generations will have access to nourishing, flavorful, and abundant food.
Adapted from ©2001 Growing for Market
