In 2024, the Regional Farmers Market (RFM), a multi-county program serving local farmers and food producers, took a bold step toward creating a more sustainable and vibrant food system. The initiative, which spans across several counties, works to connect small-scale farmers with restaurants, wholesalers, and consumers. This year, the market program brought in a specialist for local food systems to help strengthen these connections, enhancing the relationship between farmers and food service businesses, and significantly boosting the region’s agricultural economy.

Recognizing these challenges, the RFM sought to create a solution that would benefit both farmers and local businesses. In 2024, the RFM expanded its offerings by introducing a local food systems specialist—an expert in building sustainable, efficient food networks—into the program. The aim was to provide tailored advice and actionable strategies to both producers and buyers to ensure the region’s agricultural economy could thrive.

The specialist’s approach was collaborative—working closely with farmers to optimize production practices, packaging, and distribution, while simultaneously helping restaurants and wholesalers understand the benefits of sourcing locally and how to build more sustainable, reliable partnerships with producers.

Farmers, who once struggled to break into larger markets, found new opportunities to showcase their products and build lasting business relationships. Local restaurants that had long been searching for fresh, seasonal ingredients were able to partner with trusted, reliable suppliers in their own backyard. Wholesalers benefitted from a more consistent, predictable flow of high-quality local products, which they could confidently offer to their customers.

For the RFM, the 2024 program proved that when local farmers, businesses, and experts come together to collaborate, the entire region benefits. The connections forged this year are helping to create a more resilient, sustainable, and vibrant food system—one that empowers farmers, supports local businesses, and strengthens the entire regional economy.