Mission

Farmer Mark hosts vibrant, neighborhood farmers' markets that put farmers' first, and keep communities healthy.

What’s a Certified Farmers’ Market?

California Certified Farmers’ Markets are the real deal. Every farmer in a certified market has been vetted by the Agricultural Department to grow what they sell. Only California-grown produce is allowed in farm section of a certified farmers’ market. Customers can know they are buying directly from farmers, and supporting local California agriculture.

Meet Farmer Mark

Mark Anderson, a.k.a. ‘Farmer Mark,’ is a former tomato farmer who believes that real food is the foundation for healthy living. Mark’s four certified farmers’ markets put farmers first, promoting local, sustainable agriculture and providing a lively venue where small farmers can sell directly to their customers, receiving a fair price for the food they labor to grow.

“Our vision,” Mark explains, “is to create the best market experience for both farmers and the community."

Originally from the midwest, Mark came to California for an MBA at UCLA. He expected to return to middle America and his career in finance, but the fresh produce and emphasis on healthy living won Mark over. While a grad student, he advised a seed company and by the time he graduated with his MBA, Mark found himself running a small tomato farm, and calling LA home.

Selling his produce at local farmers’ markets, Mark became frustrated with poor market management. Sure that he could do better by putting farmers first, Mark started the Playa Vista Farmers’ Market. At the same time he started the nonprofit Sprouts of Promise. He now runs four certified farmers' markets in southern California and Sprouts of Promise is thriving.

Mark has served on the Board of the State of California Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee, which advises the Secretary of Agriculture, and gave a TEDx talk on how he “fell in love with a tomato.”

Staff