History of Contra Costa Certified Farmers Markets:

The humble beginnings of the Contra Costa Certified Farmers' Markets Inc. organization started 25 years ago in 1982 with an inspired, passionate and motivated group of Master Gardening Students taking classes at the University of California Cooperative Extension Office in Pleasant Hill. The idea of starting a Farmers Market was developed with the help of several members of the community who were involved in social causes in Contra Costa County. These groups included Head Start, Project Glean, and the Hope Center. The group was given seed grant money to begin the planning process of organizing a Board of Directors, seeking farmers to participate and finding the perfect location that was centrally located, thus resulting in the Pleasant Hill and Walnut Creek Markets. The Board comprised of Farmers and Community Members to balance the needs of both.

Today, Contra Costa Certified Farmers' Market Inc., a 501c 4 not for profit continues to be a community based organization which has grown to include additional markets in Orinda and Martinez. The CCCFM organization began developing education components at the markets and beyond by supporting and partnering with the 501c3 non-profit NEAR (Nutrition Education and Agricultural Responsibility) in 2003.The Farmers' Markets' creation of NEAR set the goals to help consumers of all ages develop taste preferences to fresh healthy food through chef demonstrations, promoting school gardens and salad bars to teach them how to grow, harvest, prepare and enjoy fruits and vegetables.

The Mission Statement for Contra Costa Certified Farmers Markets:

Our Mission is to:
Provide our customers with fresh, high quality produce that is grown for you by caring, trustworthy, farmers who are dedicated to providing you with nutritious healthy produce. Our farmers' markets provide an outdoor gathering place where local customers can meet local produce providers. This direct connection benefits both groups. Everybody wins when consumers communicate directly with farmers and gain an understanding of the importance of fresh, locally grown food, and when farmers adapt their production to the needs of the market place. We are proud to be the oldest community based farmers' market organization in Contra Costa County that has been committed to working with surrounding communities, non-profits and charities for the betterment of all our lives.