MARQUETTE — The Marquette Downtown Development Authority and the Michigan Farmers Market Association announced that Downtown Marquette Farmers Market Market Manager Sara Johnson recently completed the MIFMA Market Manager Certificate Program.

A total of 21 individuals participated in the program and were certified, making Johnson one of 357 total individuals who have been certified since the program’s inception in 2011.

The MIFMA Market Manager Certificate Program is the first program of its kind developed in the country that acknowledges that the market manager is a trained professional. The program is voluntary and designed to encourage market managers to pursue leadership skills and professional development in topics essential to market management.

Johnson completed 35 hours of virtual training focused on leadership skills and professional development in topics essential to market management. Key learning objectives covered in the program were: avoiding market downfalls and planning for success; collecting and sharing farmers market data; earning and managing financial support for your market; managing risk at the farmers market, state-specific licensing, regulations and food assistance programs; developing and using an annual market plan; and developing plans for events, entertainment and volunteers.

Each certified market manager had the opportunity to network with other market managers over the course of the program. A final manager-to-manager education and networking opportunity completed the program focusing on sharing experiences and lessons learned.

“I’m very thankful that we live in a state that has such strong support for farmers, farmers markets, and our local food systems,” Johnson said in a news release. “I’m excited to channel what I’ve learned into the Downtown Marquette Farmers Market for this upcoming season, and many more to come.”