ABOUT

Georgia Farm Bureau Certified Farm Markets (CFMs) are markets that sell products produced on their farms directly to consumers. Fruits, vegetables, meat, honey, baked goods, jellies, and ice cream are just a sampling of the wide variety of products sold. Farms range in size from being open 2 months out of the year selling strawberries to open year-round offering a variety of agritourism opportunities. They are instrumental in demonstrating where our food comes from.

The CFM program was created in 1986 with the purpose of directly connecting consumers to farmers. The program is designed to highlight farms where consumers can build relationships with farmers, educate consumers on where their food comes from, and gives farmers opportunities to learn and to connect with one another.

Benefits:

Marketing Assistance

Receive a CFM farm sign & be featured in the following:

Farm Passport: Members are included in the Farm Passport. Passports encourage consumers to discover Georgia, support local farmers, and experience fresh food as they visit farms and learn about agriculture. Consumers earn prizes based on the number of farms they visit. Farm Passports are distributed among farms, county offices, visitors’ centers and all previous participants. Farm Passport
Social media: Promotion through Georgia Farm Bureau social media channels (Promotes farm specific events and product updates & advocates for the agricultural industry with consumer-friendly information)
Farm Monitor: CFMs will be featured in news segments. Segments are aired on RFD-TV, GPB, Georgia Farm Bureau YouTube channel, and various social media outlets. Farm Monitor
Quarterly E-Newsletter: Electronic newsletter highlighting what is in season and events occurring on farms will be sent to consumers on distribution list.
GFB Member Benefits App: CFMs may submit farm specific promotions to be displayed in the Savings Plus App.
Georgia Farm Bureau website: The Certified Farm Market page offers an interactive map and search bar for users to easily navigate CFMs and their specific offerings. CFM Webpage
Georgia Neighbors: CFM program and member spotlights will periodically be mentioned in-print and online. GA Neighbors

Networking Opportunities

Be a part of the largest voluntary agricultural organization in Georgia and stay current with industry concerns and government news.

Member Meet: Members are invited to attend CFM Networking event at Farm Bureau's Annual Convention and seminars throughout the year
Upcoming Events Updates: Notified of applicable industry events, conferences, and seminars that are put on by a variety of agricultural groups through monthly email updates.
Form relationships with County Farm Bureaus: Farmers will have access to a local source of information, registered lobbyists, the opportunity to connect with Young Farmers & Ranchers, Women’s Committee, Ag in the Classroom, and additional vital volunteers.

Qualifications:

1. Must be a member of a county Farm Bureau in GA.

2. Market must be located on your farm.

3. Majority of sales must come from products produced on your farm.

4. Must abide by fair and honest practices.

Membership Dues:

Annual Dues are based off the months your farm market is open.

Months	Dues
1-3	$200
4-6	$250
7-9	$300
10-12	$350

Educational Advantages

GA Farm Bureau provides a team that is passionate about agriculture and a CFM coordinator that wants to see you succeed. The coordinator is continuously visiting farms to listen and to provide support in multiple areas.

Have access to:

Exclusive workshops: Applicable workshops are built throughout the year based on industry need.
CFM Farmer website: This website has member only access to CFM updates, events, webinars, and resources
Network of: Registered lobbyists, Young Farmers & Ranchers, Women's Committee, and Ag in the Classroom resources.
Southeastern Fruit and Vegetable Conference: Apply for one of two free registrations. An application will become available exclusively for members. Conference includes a Roadside Market session hosted by GFB and South Carolina Farm Bureau.
CFM Coordinator: Access to CFM Coordinator to ask questions and utilize as a resource.

How should you join?

Contact the Certified Farm Market Coordinator to schedule a meeting.

Contact