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ARKANSAS FARMERS' MARKET ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES BOARD MEMBERS |
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March 5, 2010
Submitted by: Arkansas Farmers' Market Association
Little Rock, Ark., March 8, 2010 --- The Arkansas Farmers Market Association (AFMA), an organization that links growers, market managers and consumers, elected its 2010 officers at their annual conference held in Little Rock on Friday, February 26, 2010.
Jody Hardin, co-founder of the Foodshed Farms Basket-A-Month Community Supported Agriculture program and the Certified Arkansas Farmers’ Markets in Argenta, Hot Springs Village, and Searcy, will serve as president of the AFMA. He is a graduate of the University of Tampa, fifth generation farmer from Grady, AR, and 2008 Citizens First Congress in Arkansas Agricultural Activists of the Year. Hardin has over 23 years experience working and selling in farmers’ markets in Arkansas.
“I'm grateful and excited to have this opportunity to work with more Arkansas farmers and their communities. My goal is to help improve access for Arkansans to locally grown food from our states fresh market farmers,” said Hardin.
Vice President Fay Horn is a fifth generation Arkansas farmer and vendor at the Rogers, Bentonville and Fayetteville markets. In addition, he serves on the board of both the Rogers and Bentonville farmers markets. His farm includes a state certified kitchen as well as greenhouses.
Bob Young, project coordinator for the East Arkansas Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc, will continue to serve as secretary/treasurer on the AFMA board. He holds a B.S. degree in Agronomy from Arkansas State University and has over 29 years experience in conservation and community development projects in both Louisiana and Arkansas. He is also a part-time farmer.
Stephanie Buckley, co-founder and farmer/vendor of the Old Washington Farmers Market, was elected for a three year term on the board. Buckley is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi and served as Public Relations Officer for Winrock International prior to becoming a full time wife, mother, farmer and community builder.
Keith Forrester, along with his wife Jill, is the owner and farmer of Whitton Farms, a sustainable, year-round, fresh food mecca in Whitton, Arkansas. Forrester is a graduate of Arkansas State University and he and Jill were the recipients of the Edible Memphis 2008 and 2009 Farmer of Year Award and were named 2008 Agriculture Leaders of the Year for Northeast Arkansas.
AFMA was created in March 2005 with the mission of “strengthening local farmers’ markets by working together on common issues and educational needs.” AFMA provides information and education to growers, market managers and consumers on the production and marketing of Arkansas produce and products.
For more information, contact: Stephanie Buckley - buckley@swat.coop or Jody Hardin - certifiedarkansas@yahoo.com
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