Grow Your Green Access To Markets

Empowering Farmers. Market. Growth. Success.

Grow Your Green – Access to Markets (GYG-ATM) is an MFMA initiative designed to help emerging farmers build successful farm businesses by increasing access to education, market opportunities, and essential business resources. This program reduces barriers that can limit farm-business success while providing practical tools, training, coaching, and support to help farmers confidently navigate local food systems and connect with customers. 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.

Applications now opens for 2026-2027 two six-week cohorts.

Cohort 1 will begin January 4- February 8th | Applications due by Dec 6, 2026

Application Deadline: December 6, 2026
Acceptance Notifications: December 14, 2026
Required Virtual Orientation: December 17, 2026, 6–7 PM
Virtual Study Halls: January 13, January 27, and February 10, 2027, from 6–7 PM

APPLY FOR COHORT 1: https://forms.gle/ZHsJnDd8JMgXzSQ86

Cohort 2 will begin March 1-April 10th | Application deadline by February 7, 2027

Application Deadline: February 7, 2027
Acceptance Notifications: February 15, 2027
Required Virtual Orientation: February 18, 2027, 6–7 Pm
Virtual Study Halls: March 10, March 25, and April 7, from 6–7 PM

APPLY FOR COHORT 2:https://forms.gle/evWHpGz2NhXPGcFu7

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.

Participants who successfully complete program requirements will become eligible for MFMA-purchased marketing and market-readiness materials supported through Minnesota Department of Agriculture grant funding as well as be eligible for Minnesota Grown’s Digital Marketing Cost Share Program by June 30th.

Contact Pa with any program questions:

Pa Thao, MSW (She/Her/Paj)
Director of Communications and Organizational Development
Email: pa@mfma.org

The Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association (MFMA) provides services, programs, resources, and leadership that strengthen and promote farmers’ markets across Minnesota and Tribal Nations. We envision vibrant, profitable, and professionally managed markets that cultivate thriving local food communities, expand access to fresh and culturally relevant foods, support the success of local food producers, and create opportunities for all people, regardless of ethnicity, age, gender identity, or economic standing.

Contact Us:

Executive Director: Kathy Zeman (She/Hers) | KZeman@mfma.org | (507) 664-9446

Director of Communications and Organizational Development: Pa Thao, MSW (She/Hers/Paj) | Pa@mfma.org | (715) 497-9499

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

Minnesota Farmers' Market Association | 308 East Prince Street | Suite 268 | St. Paul MN 55101