About Us
supporting local make it, bake it, grow it Vendors and the Approved Alberta Farmers’ Markets markets they sell at
AFMA’s Mission
The Alberta Farmers’ Market Association (AFMA) fosters partnerships to stimulate farmers’ market initiatives; works collaboratively to assess, develop and implement policies and guidelines that will strengthen the quality of farmers’ markets in Alberta; provides support to our member markets, vendors, managers, boards and sponsors through advocacy, education, promotion and innovation.
AFMA’s Organizational Aims
- To develop and build a network of approved markets throughout Alberta of skilled, viable and sustainable producers and makers, managers, and boards.
- To organize and foster the development of local Alberta products, and produce, publications, marketing ventures, awareness projects and information services benefiting AFMA members and the general public.
- To build strong leadership thus enhancing the quality of approved farmers’ markets.
- To continue to nurture the strong healthy working relationship with Alberta Agriculture, Farmers’ Market Program
- To be fiscally responsible and practice good governance.
AFMA’s Core Values
QUALITY – We support and promote the creation and development of farmers’ markets that are distinctive, authentic and feature local produce and products first.
EDUCATION – We support and promote the development of market skills, knowledge and related entrepreneurship that develops successful locally based businesses and professionalism in the local food and product sector.
INCLUSIVENESS – We support and promote a broad based membership of those interested in Alberta local food involving individuals, organizations and businesses.
PARTNERSHIPS – We seek to support and promote relationships with provincial, regional and national groups, associations, and organizations committed to building a unique network of local Alberta food markets.
INNOVATION – We support organizational innovation that demonstrates integrity, vitality and responsible growth.
Overview
The Alberta Farmers’ Market Association (AFMA), incorporated as a non-profit society in 1994, is led by a volunteer Board of Directors and coordinated by contracted staff. The role of the Board is to guide the work of the Association. Since 1994, the organization has provided support for increasing numbers of approved market and vendor members each year.
Board Of Directors
Colina Clark
President
I am very fortunate to work with my husband, son and dad in our mustard business, Cian’s Mustard. We have been operating since 2013, sustainably growing and though life gave us lemons we decided to make mustard instead, pursuing it full time.
My background is child, family and community care throwing in a bit of life coaching. Seeing people succeed is my passion! I am a bit of a warrior when I believe in something and seeing people pursue their dreams is always inspiring. So much so, that we have opened our production facili!ty for others to use as they grow, sharing our experiences to assist others along their paths.
It seemed to be a natural fit of taking an active role with Alberta Farmers Market Association as I appreciate the full circle (you – family – community – farmers market). I look forward to what we can grow together!
Will Collins
vice-president
Lesley Obodiak
Treasurer
I am the Manager of the St. Albert Farmers’ Market. This role has brought new meaning to my career as I thoroughly enjoy being a part of something so wonderful. I have been a public servant and avid volunteer for decades and take great pride in my community and those who serve it. Farmers’ markets have always been a way for local businesses and community members to get together in a shared space. I aim to be a voice for all involved to ensure the continued success of the market. My husband and I have two small children, and it is quickly becoming a tradition for them to visit the market each Saturday.
Lisa Jodoin
Secretary
I love to share my experience in Event Management and as a market vendor with those who are starting out in this industry and may need a bit of a helping hand to reach their goals. I feel being involved with the AFMA board will give me the opportunity to help others and help the industry grow in a thoughtful manner.
Melonie McKee
Melonie McKee was the manager of the Millarville Farmers’ Market for 13 years and is now the owner of Market Revival Strategies Inc..
Having been in this industry for so many years, this is something that I love and am very passionate about. I love the sense of community, partnerships, friendships, and education the markets give to everyone participating in or shopping at. I am eager to continually educate myself on the latest trends and regulations and am always happy to mentor vendors or managers.
I have been volunteering in different ways most of my life from organizing and acting in the incredibly successful local SpookHouse at our local Legion, School programs, leading programs to make Kenyan orphanages sustainable (farm) and drive a sponsorship program for the children within them from Canada and being boots on the ground and am a proud member of the Lions Club. I have sat on many different boards, holding various positions, including AFMA for 8 prior years.
I am a wife and a mother of three beautiful girls and a quirky chocolate lab, living the best life in the heart of the Foothills of Southern Alberta at the base of the Rocky Mountains.
Steve Souto
Steve Souto was born and raised on his family orchard in Oliver, BC, where his parents taught him everything about growing fruit and running a sustainable business. 11 years ago, Steve and his brother Daniel moved to Alberta to start Steve & Dan’s Fresh BC Fruit, which has grown into a trusted source of BC fruit at Alberta farmers’ markets. Steve is passionate about running an honest, transparent business that is bigger than selling fruit. He understands the importance of building the connection between ourselves and what we eat. Steve has a beautiful little family of his own, wife Sabrina and son Matthew turning 5 this summer. In the summer, you can find Steve at a few farmers’ markets throughout the week.
Nancy Reilly
Rachel Farr
kathy joseph
Kathy is a retired Sr. Executive Assistant and has supported CEO’s and other Executive in several
industry types in the non-profit and private sector for over 40 years. In 2019, Kathy stepped
down from permanent administrative work and has continued on occasion, as a Consultant. In
2021, she started two businesses: Heaven Scent Body Naturals and Eden Edibles. The vision of
both her companies is to produce and offer items that are healthy and wholesome for the body
– both inside and out.
Kathy hand-crafts vegan, paraben and phthalate-free natural body products using only organic
ingredients. Her products are unique because of their vibrant colours, beautiful shapes and
magnificent scents – they look good enough to eat! The same goes for her food business – only
organic ingredients are used whenever possible. Kathy and her husband reside in Sturgeon
County where most of the vegetables used in her menu are home grown in their greenhouses.
They also offer raw and infused honey from their apiary. Her freeze-dried fruits and veggies are
an example of one of the delicious items she offers.
Kathy participates in the “Verified Vendor” program through AFMA and the Government of
Alberta’s “Made in Alberta” program. You can find her at many Farmers Markets and Special
Events in and around Edmonton year-round.
Ashley Kingsbury
Ashley Kingsbury is mom to a 7 year old and 1 year old with her husband, Lawrence, and have been together for 19 years. She runs an allergen friendly home based bakery, “gimme ALL the cake”, making custom cakes, treats, and cake mixes. Her goal is to move into a food trailer and sell her mixes in grocers.
She founded and manages the Beaumont Alberta Farmers Market since 2021. She sits as secretary for their governing board; planning their AGM, vendor meetings, board appreciation, daily operations of the market, and anything else that arises.
She sits on the committee for the Rural Roots Fair with the Beaumont and District Agricultural Society. Her primary role is the planning of the farmers market at the fair.
She served on the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce board for three years and ran in the 2023 by-election for Beaumont City Council. Both experiences were fantastic learning opportunities and incredibly rewarding
Ashley is grateful for everything AFMA does for markets, and she is excited to be able to play a role on the board!
Christie Fleck
Business Manager
Christie is a passionate advocate for sustainable living, local economies, and education. With a background in education and a commitment to fostering a connection between children and the origins of their food, Christie developed the Market Buds children’s program focused on local food education at farmers’ markets.
Christie has pioneered initiatives to teach shoppers of all ages about the journey of their food from farm to table. She strives to educate consumers about the significance of knowing where their food comes from and the vital role local farmers play.
Christie’s commitment to local farmers’ markets is resolute. In the pursuit of more connected, sustainable, and thriving communities, she actively advocates for and champions the vital role of both farmers’ markets and the small business entrepreneurs who contribute to them.
Eileen Kotowich
Farmers’ Market Specialist
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (Associate member)
Non-voting Ex Officio Advisor
I started working with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry in 1999 and specifically with the Farmers’ Market Program in 2004, learning from a great mentor, Penny Wilkes. I took over as farmers’ market specialist in 2008 and since that time have developed market manager training and numerous other resources to help managers and vendors be more successful in their roles. My role with the AFMA board is as a non-voting ex officio member, providing advice and guidance on governance, collaboration opportunities, learning events, etc. My role with the government gives me the opportunity to visit over 50 markets each season, getting a chance to know managers and vendors from around the province and purchase some amazing products. Clearly the best job in the world!