Minnesota Farmers' Market Association

02/14/2025

Twenty direct marketing farmer trainers geeking out on farm profitability through MFMA's Grow Your Green Farm Profitability with trainers Ryan Pesch from UMN Extension, Erik Heimark from RTC, and Delma Kaiga from DELK Financial LLC. Each of these 20 farmer trainers now train 5 more direct marketing farmers in their farming communities ... increasing farm financial literacy 120 farmers at a time. 👊 All farmers, trainers, farm profitability coaches are supported by our EMERG grant from NRCS that we secured with Minnesota Department of Agriculture Emerging Farmers Office and Minnesota Grown.

01/14/2025

Markets! Apply ASAP! Up to $10K grants available to you!

Our new grant will help farmers market associations support nutrition assistance programs at the markets. These programs help people experiencing food insecurity to purchase foods directly from farmers at farmers’ markets.

Apply by 2/20/25 ℹ️ https://www.mda.state.mn.us/new-grant-available-minnesota-farmers-markets

12/30/2024

📢 2025 Farmers Market Insurance Info! 📢 https://www.wifarmersmarkets.org/insurance

Did you know that by being a Vendor Member or Farmers Market Member of the Wisconsin Farmers Market Association that you have access to purchasing farmers market liability insurance? We collaborate with the Minnesota Farmers' Market Association to get an affordable group policy for farmers markets or farmers market businesses. Policies run January 1 to December 31 annually - so sign up now at the website above to get the most out of the year!

Not sure if you should get insurance? Read more about why you should consider it here: https://farmersmarketlegaltoolkit.org/risks/insurance/

12/17/2024

MFMA 2024 Annual Conference Success!

A couple hundred farmers' market managers, vendors, and aficionados jumped on zoom for our 2-day annual conference, Dec. 4 & 5, and left with inspiring messages, new ideas, and new friends.

Slide presentations from all the presenters above are all linked on the 2024 Annual Conference page, with videos following soon.

We couldn't provide the cool door prizes nor reward our presenters with a token of appreciation if it weren't for our sponsors - many thanks to them!

https://www.mfma.org/2024-MFMA-Annual-Conference

12/05/2024

12/03/2024

Don’t Miss Our Day 2 Keynote Speaker!

The conference starts tomorrow, December 4 & 5th, and we are thrilled to feature Friendly Vang-Johnson, MFMA Director of Government Affairs, as our Day 2 keynote speaker.

Join us for “A Perfect Summer Day: How MN Farmers’ Markets Shaped My Childhood and Work in the Food Sovereignty Movement”, where Friendly will share her inspiring story as one of the first Hmong farmers in the U.S. and how her journey has shaped her mission to support local small-scale and emerging farmers.

Through her heartfelt storytelling, Friendly will honor farmers and farmers’ markets while presenting a powerful blueprint for food sovereignty—exploring why it matters beyond food security and equitable access.

📅 Register for FREE today and be part of this unforgettable event! Visit our website: www.MFMA.org

12/03/2024

MFMA’s Annual Conference - Day 1 this Wednesday, December 4th

Keynote Speaker: Ka Zoua Berry, Farm Director, The Food Group

Topic: “Food and Agriculture Systems at a Crossroads: Dismantling Silo-Mentality”

What role do you play in the food system? What does a sustainable and equitable future look like to you?

Join us as we explore how to create a thriving food system for future generations. Register for FREE today: www.mfma.org

Let’s build a better future together ✨

11/27/2024

Thanks for supporting local farmers’ markets! Twin Cities Mom Collective

Many of our favorite local producers are readily available at Winter Farmers Markets throughout the metro.

11/24/2024

This past weekend, we proudly represented Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association at the Minnesota Farmers Union 83rd annual convention. We highlighted our work connecting farmers to resources like SNAP/EBT and Market Bucks registration, education on food regulations, ensuring local food is accessible to all.

A big thank you to Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan for celebrating with farmers’ market kiddo & future farmer Ella Vang-Johnson and to Friendly Vang-Johnson, MFMA’s new Director of Government Affairs, for joining our team.

The convention showcased the power of collaboration, with lively policy debates, locally sourced meals, and inspiring conversations. Thanks to everyone who stopped by the Lake Superior Room to connect with us—together, we’re building a stronger agricultural future!

11/22/2024

11/18/2024

Magical sunset at Heirloomista farm 🌞

Our annual conference is December 4th & 5th on zoom and it’s FREE! Visit MFMA.ORG to review our schedule and awesome door prizes like this Heirloomista Gift Basket!

11/18/2024

Thank you St. Paul Farmers' Market for joining us on WCCO to promote local food for the holidays and Winter Farmers’ Market Season!

Be sure to visit them for their special Thanksgiving Farmers’ Market the Wednesday before Thanksgiving! So much goodness as you can see!!

11/16/2024

Excited to share this winter squash recipe on WCCO & CBS News Minnesota

Don’t forget, farmers’ markets are open year-round! You’ll find an incredible variety of locally grown vegetables, fresh eggs, high-quality meat, artisanal cheese, and other amazing products—available just for you!

ST. PAUL FARMERS’ MARKET PRODUCE COOKBOOK

Flaky Squash Biscuits

Delicate, sweet, and vibrant, these tender biscuits pair well with warm milk. For dairy-free biscuits, substitute margarine and soy milk.

Ingredients:
• 2 cups unbleached white flour (or 1 cup unbleached and 1 cup whole wheat flour)
• 3 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup cold butter
• 1 cup puréed squash (delicata, pumpkin, or butternut)
• 2 tsp honey
• 1–4 tbsp low-fat milk

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut the butter into small pieces and use a pastry cutter to work it into the flour mixture until the pieces are the size of small peas.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the honey into the puréed squash. Add this to the flour mixture.
5. Stir in enough milk to create a soft dough.
6. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Flatten it to about 1/2 inch thick with your hands.
7. Fold the dough in half as if closing a book. Rotate the dough 90 degrees, pat it out, and fold it again. Repeat this process twice, dusting with flour as needed to prevent sticking. Work quickly to keep the butter cold.
8. After the final fold, roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thick. Cut into 1 1/2-inch rounds.
9. To shape the biscuits, gently hold each biscuit upright with your thumb and first finger forming a “C” shape around the edges. Rotate and lightly squeeze the biscuit to give it more height. (Note: This shaping step enhances the biscuits’ lightness.)
10. Arrange the biscuits closely together in a 9-inch square baking pan.
11. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until puffed and lightly browned.

Serve piping hot. Makes 20–24 biscuits.

11/08/2024

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 4-hour “Farm Finances” workshop on Friday at the Emerging Farmers Conference ! Every seat was filled, and we even had farmers sitting on the floor—such an incredible turnout!

During the workshop, we introduced our Grow Your Green program. If you’re an emerging farmer seeking guidance on financial management or support in accessing new markets, we’d love to have you in the program! Contact us to learn more and join this supportive community.

10/15/2024

It’s Squash Season!!! Share this yummy recipe with your markets!

Kabocha Squash Curry with Farmers' Market Vegetables
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:
- 1 medium kabocha squash (about 2 lbs), peeled, deseeded, and cubed
- 1 cup farmers' market vegetables, sliced (such as bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, or green beans)
- 1 can (4 oz) red curry paste
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk (divided)
- 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp fish sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp oil (vegetable or coconut)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Cooked jasmine rice, to serve

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Squash:
- Peel, deseed, and cut the kombucha squash into bite-sized cubes. Set aside.

2. Cook the Curry Paste:
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the red curry paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
- Add about 2-3 tablespoons of coconut milk to the pot and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring until the mixture becomes aromatic and slightly thickened.

3. Add Vegetables and Squash:
- Stir in the sliced farmers' market vegetables and cubed kabocha squash. Toss to coat them in the curry paste mixture. Cook for 3-4 minutes to allow the vegetables and squash to absorb the flavors.

4. Simmer:
- Pour in the remaining coconut milk and 1/2 cup of broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is tender.

5. Season:
- Stir in the fish sauce (if using) and adjust seasoning as needed.

6. Serve:
- Serve the curry over jasmine rice, garnished with fresh cilantro.