Are you interested in joining the Certified Arkansas Farmers Market network?
CAFM, a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization, was created for farmers by farmers. We are working hard to provide Arkansas farmers with a network of markets, CSAs, buying clubs and stores that sell to local consumers. Our policy is simple: only products grown in Arkansas can be sold at CAFM markets.
Through many years of research, we have established a simple, effective way to reduce deception at markets and protect farmers from unfair practices by wholesalers and resellers. We inspect each participating farm to ensure the basic information provided by the farmer is accurate and true. We ask for a simple, handwritten crop plan and work closely with the farmer at the market to ensure the produce gets sold.
CAFM is a strictly governed, producer-only market that allows food products from all counties of Arkansas. Food and plants are the only products sold at the market. Meat, cheeses, and all the food groups, if grown on an Arkansas farm, may be sold at this market, provided the producer meets all market certification policies. Schools, community gardens and individual gardeners are also welcome to participate subject to certification.
Here are the tools you need to join the CAFM network:
CAFM Rules and Regulations (pdf)
CAFM 2010 Produce Application (pdf)
CAFM 2010 Meat Application (pdf)
The application is the same for all CAFM markets, and one fee covers membership in all markets.
About the Markets
Argenta Historic District, downtown North Little Rock
Tuesdays and Saturdays, 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Market Manager: Christian Shuffield
2009 season: April 18 - October 17
2010 Opening Day: April 17 (soft opening)
This is an ideal setting with proven community support. The market is located on a two-acre parking lot at 6th and Main Street, across from the coming Argenta Market local foods store. Customer parking is abundant, and there are many restaurants and retail shops along Main Street. The whole area has wireless Internet access. There is a residential neighborhood nearby, and the River Rail trolley and Junction pedestrian/bicycle bridge bring many curious shoppers over from Little Rock.
Searcy
Spring Park
Wednesdays and Saturdays, 7:00 a.m. – 1:00p.m.
Market Manager: Barbara Armstrong
phone (501) 351-3179 or (501) 288-2109
2009 season: June 6 - September 30
2010 Opening Day: April 17
Spring Park is a beautiful setting that borders Main Street in the heart of the city. It has restrooms, a pavilion, playground, picnic areas and a walking trail.
Hot Springs Village
Opening in May 5,2010
Fiesta Bowling Alley Parking Lot
Market Manager: Sheldon Sturtevant marketfarmer@hotmail.com
7am to 12 NOON
Fiesta Bowl
www.hsvfiestabowl.com
Hot Springs Village, AR
Online Markets
CAFM also has an online market that accepts orders for delivery once a week year-round to the Argenta location. Click here to visit the Argenta online market.
An online market for Searcy is scheduled for October 4, 2010. Click here to visit the Searcy online market.
Resources
From the University of Kentucky, this is one of the best sources of information for our CAFM group to read: http://www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/aec/aec77/aec77.htm
Missouri Organic Association: www.missouriorganic.org
Certified Arkansas Farmers Market
Jody Hardin, Executive Director
certifiedarkansas@yahoo.com
(501) 231-0094 (please leave a message)
Executive Board of Directors and Founders
Jody Hardin, President
Sheldon Sturtevant, Vice President
Barbara Armstrong, Secretary/Treasurer
Robert Lashley, Treasurer
2010 Board of Directors
Jody Hardin, President
Sheldon Sturtevant, Vice President
Barbara Armstrong, Secretary/Treasurer
Robert Lashley, Treasurer
Cody Hopkins
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