NewsLetter

Why A Need For
Connecticut Farm Fresh

The Connecticut Farm Fresh Cooperative Association (CFF), organized June 29, 1983, resulted from a need for low cost liability insurance for farmers’ markets throughout Connecticut. A private organization was needed to contract for the insurance since the Connecticut Department of Agriculture is prohibited from operating an insurance business, and farmers’ markets would not be able to continue operation based on individual insurance rates. Soon CFF expanded to include sales of imprinted produce bags, "GET FRESH" tee shirts, sweatshirts, aprons and hats. Low prices were the result of volunteer work, bulk purchasing and no cost storage.

By 1987, however, a paid Executive Director was necessary because of the increased amount of daily business. In particular, the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, which started in the State in 1988, more than doubled the administrative workload.

CFF works jointly with the Connecticut Department of Agriculture for funding and increased marketing opportunities on both state and federal levels, helping ensure farmers’ markets comply with strict certification requirements and for farmers’ market publicity.

For example, CFF operates a display booths at Ag Day at the State Capital, the Ag Expo at the State Armory, plus several Ag fairs. CFF also coordinates "GET FRESH" advertising during the market season.

CFF also works with the Hartford Food System to encourage the use of food stamps at farmers’ markets, and in supporting special senior citizen subsidies.

During the past few years both farmers interests and customer demands have resulted in a large increase in statewide farmers’ markets. We now have more than fifty markets with more planned as cities and towns recognize the blossoming interest in the value of fresh food. As an added benefit, customers can now find certified organically grown produce in practically every market. As a non-profit cooperative, CFF’s main purpose will continue to be to provide opportunities for direct farm-to-market sales of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables.