Explore Local: Partners

Joining an industry association and accepting your role as an active, committed member is a good first step to building or expanding your network. The basic function of any association, board, or industry group is to create an entity that serves common interests. There are many different “groups” out there that you might become a part of. The questions you have to answer to help you narrow the choice are, “What benefits does the organization provide me?” And, “What can I offer to the organization?”

Some of the benefits an association might offer to you:

• A common voice for its members to government and policy makers.
• Information source.
• Market development/research.
• Industry Promotion / Branding / Visibility.
• Access to group insurance policies.
• Access to resources – lower cost, bulk ordering, etc.
• Collective research.

• Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies
• Alberta Bed and Breakfast Association
• Alberta Country Vacations Association
• Alberta Farmers’ Market Association
• Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association
• Alberta Food Processors Association
• Alberta Greenhouse Growers Association
• Future Agriculture Business Builders

• BC Association of Farmers’ Markets
• Saskatchewan Farmers’ Markets
• Farmers’ Market Association of Manitoba
• Farmers’ Markets Ontario
• Quebec Farmers’ Market Association
• New Brunswick Farmers’ Markets
• Farmers’ Markets of Nova Scotia
• Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association
• Bed and Breakfast Canada
• North American Farmers’ Direct Marketing Association: the Networking Association for Farm Direct Marketing and Agritourism
• Farmers’ Market Coalition