Panhandle Fresh Marketing Association (PFMA) began as a Florida not for profit organization in November 2007. The PFMA, a community based food system model (CBFS), is a local effort to assist farmers in pooling their resources and allowing them access to larger markets in the produce industry.

PFMA operates in the regional area including, but not limited to: Florida counties of Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton and Alabama counties of Mobile and Baldwin. PFMA provides producers with the following: accounting services, matching of orders with available PFMA produce, Wal-Mart vendor ID number, required $3,000,000 hold/harmless liability, and marketing of produce items.

Mission Statement: To improve profits and sustainability of regional farmers by adding value to their product, diversifying their crop mix, and protecting their land for future generations.

Partners:

• Team Santa Rosa Economic Development Council
• University of Florida Institute of Foods and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS)
• University of West Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
• Santa Rosa County Extension Office
• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• Santa Rosa County Chambers of Commerce

2009 Annual Report

“Building community based foods systems (CBFS) using specialty crops
enhances the quality of life of citizens by positively impacting economic and
social conditions. CBFS are an alternative that promote entrepreneurial
activities by local farms, markets, and supporting businesses and empower citizens to play an active role in their community’s food supply and security.
They aid in the protection of our local rural lands and by limiting the
transportation of goods and reducing our carbon footprint. Besides that it
tastes better and has a higher nutritional value.”
-Cindy Anderson, Asst. Treasurer of PFMA and
Executive Director of TEAM Santa Rosa EDC