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 2010 translated into an average of over $2,800 in additional income for each of the more thank 16,000 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. We are working on expanding the Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program through the reauthorization of the farm bill. We are also working on increasing the appropriation for the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Our ability to represent you and your fellow producers will be enhanced by your financial and networking support. 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,
Rick Macsuga
President, NAFMNP
P.S. Other non-farmers can become an associate member by going to the Growing Partner Member Application.
