Grow Your Green Access To Markets

Minnesota Farmers' Market Association

Empowering Farmers. Market. Growth. Success.

Grow Your Green - Access To Markets program empowers emerging farmers by breaking down barriers to funding and education while equipping them with the tools and skills to thrive in local food systems. With a 6-month curriculum running from May to November 2025, the program is designed to support farmers from diverse communities, including growers of color, women, veterans, LGBTQ+, and immigrant farmers, as they navigate the challenges of entering and succeeding in farmers' markets.

Comprehensive Training Modules

Market Landscape: Understanding local food systems, trends, and consumer preferences.
Branding: Building a unique and compelling farm brand identity.
Marketing Strategies: Leveraging effective techniques to promote products.
Public Relations: Establishing and maintaining positive community relationships.
Sales Tactics: Enhancing profitability and customer satisfaction.
New Market Access: Exploring local and online opportunities for growth.

Support System

Participants gain access to recorded training sessions and monthly study halls facilitated by experienced instructors, providing personalized guidance and ensuring a thorough understanding of the program material. In addition to educational resources, participants receive financial support to enhance their brand presence in the industry. This support can be used for essential tools and strategies needed to access new markets, such as professional branding, packaging, marketing materials, and online presence development. Together, these resources empower emerging farmers to establish themselves competitively in the local food system.

Emerging Farmers Conference Marketplace Event 2025

The program culminates in November 2025 with the Emerging Farmers Conference Marketplace Event, where participants showcase their branding, share their stories, and network with industry professionals. This event offers a real-world platform to apply learned skills and connect with new customers and markets.

Phase 2

GYG-ATM is continually evolving to meet the diverse needs of emerging farmers and their communities. New additions, such as the Cultural Farmers’ Markets and the Grow Your Green Farmers’ Market Incubator Program, create tailored opportunities for farmers to thrive across both rural and urban areas. For example, the LatinX Farmers’ Market, developed in partnership with the City of Minneapolis, LEDC Latino Economic Development Center, and MFMA, served as a vital resource for local farmers. This market provided a platform for LatinX farmers to showcase their products while incubating them within the broader industry. Farmers received access to mentorship, proper licensing, and the tools necessary for long-term success. These initiatives reflect Grow Your Green’s commitment to empowering farmers, nurturing market growth, and driving transformation in Minnesota’s local food systems while fostering inclusivity and sustainability for all communities.

MFMA teamed up with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Emerging Farmers Office, Minnesota Grown, and the Emerging Farmers Conference by Big River Farms & The Food Group via an NRCS grant. Funding to expand programing is also provided by Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies (MACP). We are appreciative of everyone's collaboration and support!

Interested in learning more or how to participate, visit https://www.growyourgreen.org

MFMA provides services, programs, and leadership that support and promote farmers' markets

across Minnesota and our Tribal Nations.

We envision a community of vibrant, profitable, and professionally managed Minnesota farmers’ markets that:

Cultivates, nourishes, and inspires a vibrant local foods community;

provides accessibility to all to local farm fresh foods;

allows local food producers to thrive and grow.

Director of Government Affairs: Friendly Vang-Johnson /// friendly@mfma.org /// (206) 276-2284

Director of Engagement & Inclusion: Sina War /// sina@mfma.org ///

Executive Director: Kathy Zeman /// kzeman@mfma.org /// (507) 664-9446

Minnesota Farmers' Market Association /// 9800 155th Street East, Nerstrand MN 55053