ABOUT THE PORTLAND FARMERS MARKET
About the Organization |
Portland Farmers Market was founded in 1992 by a small group of community activists who wanted “to bring the best of the country to the heart of the city.” The original Saturday market at Albers Mill had 13 vendors. Several of those first vendors still sell at PFM. By 2006, PFM had grown to 3 downtown weekly markets with vendor sales in excess of $5 million. In 2006, the market organizers added the management of a fourth market – the Eastbank Farmers Market. The goals in 1992 were the same as the goals are today – to create venues where local farmers can connect directly with Portland consumers, to build community in an urban setting, and to provide public education on regional farming, gardening and food preparation. PFM is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit organization operated by paid staff and governed by an all-volunteer board. The organization is funded through vendor fees, the generous support of market sponsors, an annual fundraising auction and dinner, countless hours of volunteer time, and numerous food donations by our vendors to our education programs. Portland Farmers Market receives no city, state, or federal funding. |
Board and Staff |
2008 Board of Directors The Portland Farmers Market Board of Directors reflects a cross-section of community interests drawn together to support regional agriculture. Our directors include market customers, chefs, business professionals, vendors, and food policy advocates. Lynn Youngbar, President 2008 Market Staff Portland Farmers Market is managed and operated by our dedicated, year-round staff: |
Portland Farmers Market Is |
A collection of four urban green markets April through December, serving up to 22,000 shoppers per week. We provide a direct connection to over 250 vendors with deep roots in Oregon and Washington, including farms, nurseries, bakeries, meat and seafood providers, cheese makers, specialty foods producers. The markets offer a vibrant gathering place where friends meet and shop A resource for learning about food, agriculture and nutrition A showplace for Northwest agriculture |
Our Mission |
Support our region’s farms by: connecting consumers directly to local food producers, strengthening urban-rural community bonds, educating the general public on the benefits of eating locally produced food. |
Our Vision |
PFM creates vibrant opportunities for the region's agriculture community to come together with urban residents to share the bounty of our land. The downtown Saturday Farmers Market is our signature weekly event that supports growers and artisan food preparers. Our other markets extend our services throughout the week. PFM strives to maximize the local consumption of local foods through leadership in the farm direct movement; create educational programs to strengthen consumer support of local agriculture; and explore additional distribution channels for farm direct products. PFM is financially stable and places high priority on maintaining our financial health. PFM seeks to operate at the highest level of integrity in our dealings with customers, Vendors, and partners. |
We Value |
Farmers and the producers of our food. Local businesses that use local products. The customers who so gloriously support our producers. Access to healthy fresh foods to people of all income levels. Preservation of farm land. Community that is created when people come together to support regional agriculture. Work done by other food related organizations. Advocacy in the food policy arena. Strategic partnerships and alliances to further our mission. Financial stability to support our on-going goals. |