A Note from the President of NAFMNP

Dear Fellow Farmers & Friends:

The National Association of Farmers Market Nutrition Programs (NAFMNP) is committed to ensuring that farmers throughout the United States have an expanded opportunity to sell their fresh produce directly to the public through their local farmers’ markets. I’m writing today to let you know of our mission, and to ask you for your help in strengthening our ability to represent your interests. 

The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs (FMNP) have increased growers’ incomes by expanding access to fresh produce at farmers’ markets to those in our communities most nutritionally at risk. The approximately $40 million allocated to this program in 2004 translated into an average of $2,778 in additional income for each of the 14,400 farmers who participated in the program.

This year, the NAFMNP is continuing to work to ensure that there is adequate funding to operate the program. As a result of our past efforts, the 2002 Farm Bill mandated $15 million for the Senior FMNP. NAFMNP also succeeded in educating the Congress to expand eligible outlets for the WIC FMNP to include farm stands and to reduce federal requirements of states to receive funds for that program in 2005.

Our ability to represent you and your fellow producers will be enhanced by your financial and networking support. Enclosed is a form that gives the opportunity to become a Growing Partner of the NAFMNP. By doing so you will be helping us build the tools necessary to effectively convey our message to key decision-makers. As a Growing Partner, you will receive periodic issues alerts, along with the information you need to contact your U.S. Senators and Representatives on the issues that affect farmers markets. We also want your input. Please use the back of your Growing Partners application to let us know your concerns, and your ideas.

Farmers Markets are playing an increasingly important role in the financial future of family farmers. By becoming a Growing Partner in the NAFMNP, you will help to ensure that farmers like yourself will continue to enjoy the financial benefits of selling fresh, nutritious produce directly to your community through farmers markets.

I look forward to working with you in the years ahead. Please let us know how we can help you.

Sincerely,

 

 

Maria Menor
President, NAFMNP

P.S. Other non-farmers can become an associate member by going to the Growing Partner Member Application.