California Alliance of Farmers’ Markets

The California Alliance of Farmers’ Markets unites market operators through collaboration, shared knowledge, and advocacy to build resilient, equitable food systems.

About the program

Go to CAFM Site

About the program

Building Strong, Resilient Farmers’ Markets Across California

The California Alliance of Farmers’ Markets (CAFM) is a statewide network of certified farmers’ market operators working together to support, protect, and grow farmers’ markets across California. CAFM creates space for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and collective advocacy, enabling operators to navigate a complex and evolving regulatory and economic landscape.

Through peer learning, technical assistance, and coordinated policy efforts, CAFM promotes best practices in market management, food access programming, and farmer support. The Alliance advances policies that sustain farmers’ markets as essential community infrastructure, expands access to fresh, local food, supports small- and mid-sized farmers, and strengthens regional food systems statewide.

The California Alliance of Farmers’ Markets (CAFM) was formed in 2012 in response to a growing need for stronger coordination, shared learning, and collective advocacy among farmers’ market operators across the state. As certified farmers’ markets have expanded in number and complexity over the past two decades, market leaders recognized the importance of having a unified voice.

CAFM emerged as a collaborative network to connect operators, elevate best practices, and address common challenges, including regulatory compliance, program implementation, and financial sustainability. Over time, the Alliance has played an increasingly important role in supporting the successful rollout of statewide initiatives like nutrition incentives, while also advocating for policies that protect and strengthen farmers’ markets.

Today, CAFM continues to grow as a trusted, operator-led network that fosters peer exchange, builds leadership within the field, and ensures farmers’ markets remain vital community spaces that support California farmers, expand food access, and strengthen local economies.