Save America's Local Farmland
The Federation of Mass Farmers Markets is a 501 (c) 3 charitable non-profit organization. Our mission is to partner with farmers, consumers, and communities to foster, enhance and sustain farmers market in Massachusetts in order to improve regional farm viability, consumer nutrition, and community social and economic development.
Mass Farmers Markets (MFM) was founded in 1978 with a partnership between the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, the University of Massachusetts Extension Service, and farmers from across the state. At that time founding members saw a renaissance of consumer, farmer, and community interest in farmers markets, but predicted correctly that municipal, state, and federal support and funding for these ventures would not sustain the movement. Today we remain the only organization working state-wide on behalf of farmers markets, the communities in which they are located, and the farmers who rely on them as a crucial source of income.
We envision a future in which small family farms and local communities thrive because a significant percentage of residents have access to and choose to consume local food whenever possible. We believe that consumers should know the people who grow their food, and that when they do, our communities, both rural and urban are strengthened. We know that a strong connection between our state’s consumers and producers contributes to a healthy society in three important arenas: family nutrition and food security, agricultural viability and open space preservation, and the economic and social revitalization of neighborhoods.
Farm Aid works with local, regional and national organizations to promote fair farm policies and grassroots organizing campaigns designed to defend and bolster family farm-centered agriculture. We’ve worked side-by-side with farmers to protest factory farms and inform farmers and eaters about issues like genetically modified food and growth hormones. By strenghtening the voices of family farmers, Farm Aid stands up for the most resourceful, heroic Americans—the family farmers who work the land.
At CISA we take a grounded visionary approach to all of our work by solving today’s problems while looking towards future challenges. It is a world where more food and farm products are locally produced, farmers have the skills and resources to sustain their businesses and the land and all community residents have access to locally grown farm products.
We believe that:
-Diverse and prosperous farms are essential to the economic health and environmental quality of our region.
When our farmers can successfully bring food and other products to markets that reach all people in our communities, we all benefit.
-When our communities have a deep understanding of the local farming economy, all of our farmers benefit.
-By connecting farmers, neighbors, and communities, CISA sustains local agriculture and enhances the long-term health of our communities.
American Farmland Trust Website
American Farmland Trust is the nation’s leading conservation organization dedicated to saving America’s farm and ranch land, promoting environmentally sound farming practices and supporting a sustainable future for farms. As the vital link among farmers, conservationists and policy-makers, we’re focused on ensuring the availability of the land that provides fresh food, a healthy environment and lasting rural landscapes.
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