The public hearing held during 2002 to discuss SMFA's new enforcement program.

Southland Farmers' Market Association

Why Belong to SFMA?

The Southland Farmers' Market Association is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade association that provides important services to our grower and market members:

• Government Relations and Advocacy – Southland represents the interests of certified producers that participate in certified farmers’ markets to State and Local Government agencies. The Association has a seat on the California Department of Food and Agriculture's Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee. We lobby the State Legislature on issues of importance to growers and certified farmers’ markets. We also meet regularly with health and county agricultural staff to assist growers and markets with specific regulatory issues.
  
• Promotion – Southland promotes farmers markets in Los Angeles County.
• Enforcement – Southland actively promotes the integrity of certified farmers’ markets. We view the future of the industry to be dependent upon honoring the public’s trust that they are truly purchasing the products that were produced by the seller at the market.
• Access to Grower Database for New Markets – Southland provides access by member growers to new member markets. We have an extensive database of growers who are interested and experienced in selling at a farmers’ market.
• Newsletter and Publications – Southland prepares a quarterly newsletter and prepares directories of vendors and suppliers of certified farmers’ markets.
• Market Planning Assistance – Southland advises communities that are interested in starting new certified farmers’ markets.
• Web Visibility – Southland provides this highly visible website (www.sfma.net) for the consumer to find Southland member markets, maps and directions, links to the individual market sites, our price comparison study, recipes, as well as a highlight of events happening at the markets. There are areas specifically designed for the market manager and grower member containing myriad topics such as legislative issues, access to forms, and tips and useful information. Topics that are scheduled to come online in the near future include: small business best practices, supplier & resource information, discount programs and services, plus a member directory.

Photos by David Karp

© 2002 Southland Farmers Markets Association
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