2021

To respond to the impacts of COVID, farmers market allies from Carolina Farm Stewardship Association (CFSA), Rural Advancement Foundation, Inc (RAFI) and NC State University/Cooperative Extension established recurring networking and information-sharing calls for farmers market managers.

Manager participation grew to 85 markets and a Steering Committee was formed to advance the work of the group once the immediate impacts of the pandemic subsided.

2022

The NC Farmers Market Network name was selected. USDA awarded Farmers Market Promotion Program grant funding to develop and staff the nascent organization, and an intern was recruited. In the fall, the inaugural (interim) 9-member Board of Directors was elected including five regional representatives; organization bylaws developed and adopted; and NC Articles of Incorporation submitted to officially establish the organization.

2023

NCFMN officially received IRS 501(c)3 non-profit status and organizational development is ongoing. A part-time Program Coordinator was hired to develop resources, training, manage network communications, online presence and meetings. Marketing efforts and materials development are underway and are supported by a part-time Marketing consultant. NCFMN is working to transition to a membership organization, plan the inaugural annual meeting as well as to secure funding for Double SNAP at NC farmers markets and initiate projects and staff as determined by the membership.