Georgia’s Flagship Farmers Market Leaders Community of Practice
The launch of our Flagship Market Leaders Community of Practice (CoP) on September 3rd felt like such a full-circle moment. Gathering some of Georgia’s most dedicated market leaders—old friends and new faces alike— is demonstrating just how strong our model is and how far this movement has come. Even through challenge and change, the heart of this work remains steady.
Building on a Legacy of Learning
Since 2021, we’ve been hosting Communities of Practice through both our Executive Leadership Cohort (in partnership with The Lola) and through collaborations with local and statewide farmers' market groups across the country. Each gathering—whether in Georgia or on a national stage—has reinforced a simple truth: when we come together with intention, we create the conditions for collective growth.
These spaces are designed to be more than meetings. They’re circles of trust and exchange—places where leaders can reflect on their experiences, share best practices, and find solidarity in the work of building strong, inclusive food systems. The conversations that happen in these circles often spark innovation, connection, and renewed energy for the work ahead.
A Collective Return
This new Flagship Market Leaders CoP represents both a continuation and an evolution of that journey. It’s a space where the wisdom we’ve gathered meets the possibilities ahead—a shared table where Georgia’s market leaders can collaborate, problem-solve, and dream forward together.
The energy in the room during our kickoff was electric. Stories of resilience, creativity, and care flowed freely, reminding us that farmers' markets are not just sites of commerce but of community, culture, and leadership. This gathering marked more than a new initiative—it marked a return to our roots and a recommitment to growing forward, together.
As always, we’re guided by one of our favorite reminders: we are, and will always be, better together.
Join the Movement
Want to explore farmers' markets near you or share your own?
Discover local markets across the state: Georgia Grown Farmers Market Map
Submit your favorite market to be considered for the map: Georgia Grown Market Registration Form
We will continue to build our network of strong leadership in the upcoming months by meeting monthly with key state leaders while we build our database of community-driven farmers' markets and other local food initiatives. This is quiet work that keeps Georgia growing—one market, one partnership, and one shared story at a time.
