Business Details
43 Years
experience
Your Trusted Farmers Market & Food Education Hub
Founded in 1983, the Agricultural Institute of Marin (AIM) has established itself as a leader in promoting regenerative and culturally-relevant food systems. Our organization operates nine certified farmers markets across the San Francisco Bay Area, serving over 430 farmers, food purveyors, and artisans from 44 California counties. Through hands-on agricultural education programs like Diggin' Education, we engage thousands of children and adults annually, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable food practices. Our Rollin' Root mobile market expands access to fresh produce in underserved communities, while initiatives like the Racial Equity Fund and CalFresh/EBT programs promote food justice. With a 40-year lease agreement for the Center for Food and Agriculture, we are building a permanent home for the Marin Farmers Market and a Food Innovation Hub to serve as a national model for climate-smart agriculture.Our team of experts provides farm audit programs, small business support, and policy advocacy to strengthen local food systems. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, we prioritize environmental stewardship, economic viability, and social equity in all our operations. Our strategic plan focuses on expanding regional impact through regenerative farming practices, minimal waste initiatives, and community-driven policy changes. With over two million annual visitors to our markets, we continue to connect communities with the people who grow their food. Our 5-year strategic plan emphasizes short supply chains, climate resilience, and equitable access to nutritious local foods.
Services
Farmers Markets
Agricultural Education
Mobile Market
Food Access Programs
Farm Audit Services
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- Founded in 1983 with decades of experience in sustainable food systems
- Operates nine certified farmers markets across the Bay Area
- Provides hands-on agricultural education to thousands annually
- Offers mobile market access to underserved communities
- Advocates for climate-smart agricultural policies
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)3 nonprofit organization
Services
Farmers Markets
Our nine certified farmers markets connect communities with over 430 local farmers and food producers. These markets provide fresh, seasonal produce directly from growers to consumers across the Bay Area. We create spaces for community engagement while supporting small-scale agricultural businesses through consistent sales opportunities.
Agricultural Education
Diggin' Education programs offer hands-on learning experiences about food systems for children and adults. Through market tours, classroom visits, and farm field trips, we teach sustainable agricultural practices and food origins. Our educational initiatives emphasize environmental stewardship and healthy eating habits while connecting participants with local food producers.
Mobile Market
The Rollin' Root mobile market brings fresh produce to underserved communities and older adults. This service expands food access by traveling to locations with limited grocery options. We partner with local farmers to provide seasonal fruits, vegetables, and dairy products directly to community members who might otherwise face food insecurity.
Food Access Programs
Our programs like CalFresh/EBT and Market Match improve access to nutritious food for all income levels. We operate the Racial Equity Fund to support BIPOC-owned businesses and implement initiatives that address food-related inequalities. These efforts ensure equitable access to fresh, locally-grown produce across diverse communities.
Farm Audit Services
We provide farm audit programs that help producers meet quality and safety standards. These services support farmers in maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements while improving their business practices. Our audits help strengthen the integrity of local food systems and ensure consumer confidence in market products.
Questions
What farmers markets do you operate?
We operate nine certified farmers markets in Hayward, Newark, Oakland, Point Reyes, San Rafael, and San Francisco.
Do you offer educational programs?
Yes, our Diggin' Education programs provide hands-on agricultural learning experiences for children and adults through market tours, classroom visits, and farm field trips.
How do you support food access?
We operate the Rollin' Root mobile market, CalFresh/EBT programs, Market Match, and the Racial Equity Fund to improve food access for all communities.
Are you a nonprofit organization?
Yes, we are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable, equitable food systems since 1983.
How can I become a vendor?
Local farmers, food producers, and artisans can apply to join our markets through our vendor application process.
What sustainability initiatives do you have?
We promote zero-waste practices, climate-smart agriculture, and advocate for policies that support environmental sustainability in food systems.
Reviews (2)
Edward Mille
Aug 22, 2020
Report
Marin Agriculture Institution strides that have real Farmers Market unlike many other Market I've done you claim to be a farmer and her just buying their product to sell Marine inspection Farms accepted for their Markets are in person inspections
BodyworkTherapy Collective
Nov 02, 2019
Report
Some of the nicest people!
Dan their manager is a very good hearted person with great knowledge of each farmer they support.
AIM has many programs to support the farmers such as their ebt program for matching the $10 dollars for $10 extra in produce tokens so that low income families can afford the freshest local produce and the farmers get a healthy kick back too. It is a win-win situation. They also work with local chefs and they monitor each farm regularly for quality and to ensure they are growing what they sell. The chef demonstrations using local produce is another treat for the community
Dan their manager is a very good hearted person with great knowledge of each farmer they support.
AIM has many programs to support the farmers such as their ebt program for matching the $10 dollars for $10 extra in produce tokens so that low income families can afford the freshest local produce and the farmers get a healthy kick back too. It is a win-win situation. They also work with local chefs and they monitor each farm regularly for quality and to ensure they are growing what they sell. The chef demonstrations using local produce is another treat for the community
