Our Vision
We envision a responsible food and farming system that is environmentally beneficial, economically viable, and socially just.
Our Mission
We educate, inspire, and connect communities, farmers, and producers in order to create a healthy, Earth-friendly, equitable local and regional food and agricultural system.
Impact Reports
Our Impact Reports celebrate what we achieve together. In 2023 and 2024, our farmers, makers, and community joined forces to grow local food systems that are resilient, equitable, and regenerative, made possible by your support.
Strategic Plan at a Glance
Our work in all directions supports a movement for a food and agricultural system that is regenerative, inclusive, and resilient. Together, we plan to expand the regional reach, awareness, integrity, and impact of farmers markets, agricultural education, and community programs to facilitate access to nutritious, local foods produced by local farmers and producers. Stay tuned as we shape the next chapter of AIM!
Strategic Plan:
Our Guiding Principles
Strengthen local and regional food systems.
Enhance opportunities for small to mid-size producers.
Promote short supply chains: from producer to shopper.
Encourage producers to use organic, regenerative, and climate-smart practices that promote environmental health, ensure safe and equitable working conditions, provide humane care for animals, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and adapt to climate change.
Promote integrity and transparency in our markets.
Provide education and career opportunities in food and agriculture.
Adopt minimal waste practices that emphasize reusable products, eco-friendly packaging, energy efficiency, and composting food scraps.
Support and influence policy by advocating for a healthier, equitable food system.
Address food-related racial and economic inequalities among producers, shoppers, and communities.
Create access to healthy, nutrient-dense foods among all people.
Act now to address the causes and impacts of climate change.
We’re building a Center for Food and Agriculture
Growing a new permanent home for the Marin Farmers Market — and a Food Innovation Hub for the future.
In a historic step toward securing the future of local agriculture and the regional foodshed, the Agricultural Institute of Marin (AIM) and the County of Marin finalized a 40-year lease agreement on September 16 to establish the Center for Food and Agriculture (CFA). The CFA will consist of two cornerstone projects: a permanent outdoor home for the Marin Farmers Market (to be completed by mid-2027) and an expansive Food Innovation Hub (to be completed by 2028).
Together, they will create a vibrant public space that celebrates food, farming, and community. The CFA will be a national model for climate-smart agriculture, food systems collaboration, and food education. Located at the Marin Civic Center in San Rafael, construction of the enhanced Farmers Market will begin first, with the Food Innovation Hub to follow.
Our History
From its early days in 1983 as one of the Bay Area's preeminent Farmers Markets, the Agricultural Institute of Marin (AIM), a 501(c)3 nonprofit, has evolved into one of California's leading advocates for regenerative and culturally-relevant food systems that provide access to food from the land and sea. Farmers markets connect eaters (and particularly the food-insecure) with local farmers, ranchers, fishers, and food producers. Through constant innovation and a global view of our food systems, AIM is positively impacting the climate crisis and promoting economic opportunity for under-resourced communities. Our mission is to educate, inspire, and connect communities, farmers, and producers in order to create a healthy, Earth-friendly, equitable local and regional food and agricultural system.
Today, we attract more than 400 farmers, ranchers, fishers, and food makers to our nine certified Farmers Markets throughout the Bay Area. We reach over approximately 2 million visitors through farmers markets and programs such as Diggin' Education, Bounty Box, Rollin' Root, USDA Partnership for Climate Smart Commodities, CalFresh & Market Match, training and technical assistance for farmers and small food businesses, racial equity fund, farmers market incubator booth, and policy-advocacy.
Our Community Funders
