Food and Farming News | Ecology Center

North Berkeley Farmers’ Market Lifts All-Organic Rule to Boost Inclusivity and Variety

October 5, 2023 by Minehaha Forman

avocadoes, lemons, and oranges for sale at the Berkeley Farmers' Market

In an intriguing and exciting development, the North Berkeley Farmers’ Market plans to broaden its product selection and help foster small vendor inclusivity by removing its all-organic certified vendor requirement. The decision to lift the all-organic certification mandate for agricultural vendors at the North Berkeley market comes as a response to challenges surrounding product… Read more »

Market Match Update: Funding Secured! CA State Budget Funds Program Through 2028

August 10, 2023 by Minehaha Forman

Thanks to the support of many organizations, elected officials, and individuals, Ecology Center’s Market Match program has secured funding through 2028. The California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP), which funds Market Match, received $35 million in the 2023 State Budget, thanks to the hard work of many supporters. Market Match enables CalFresh shoppers to double their… Read more »

Berkeley Farmers’ Market Press Release

July 27, 2023 by Ecology Center

City of Berkeley Proclaims Aug. 6-12 “Berkeley Farmers’ Market Week” to Celebrate and Support Local Agriculture Berkeley, CA – Mayor of Berkeley, Jesse Arreguín, alongside Berkeley City Council members, signed a proclamation on Tuesday declaring August 6-12 as Berkeley Farmers’ Market Week at the July 25th City Council meeting. Berkeley Farmers’ Market Week will be… Read more »

Market Match Supports Rural Communities in California

August 9, 2022 by Ecology Center

Ecology Center partners with over 55 organizations across the state to operate the Market Match program at farmers’ markets and other farm-direct sites by providing extra money to customers spending their CalFresh dollars on locally-produced food. Since 2017, Market Match has partnered with the Crescent City Downtown Divas, a nonprofit founded by women-owned businesses and… Read more »

Supporting Your Local Farmers’ Market during COVID-19

October 9, 2020 by Andrea Tineo

Farmers’ Markets are a community hub for fresh, healthy, local, and immunity-boosting foods. The Berkeley Farmers’ Markets are teeming with delectable fruits, vegetables, grains, cheeses, and other treats. Surrounded by friendly faces, you might see your friend or neighbor shopping and be reminded that food can build community. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we… Read more »