Program Profile: Integrity Farm Audits
AIM Program Profile – Integrity Farm Audits
Thursday, January 16, 2025
There are many aspects of an AIM Farmers Market that set it apart from other certified farmers markets in California, but none as unique as AIM’s Farm Audit Program. Behind the scenes, AIM works to ensure consumers are getting fresh, local products, directly from the farmers and ranchers responsible for their production.
In October 2010, AIM started a first-of-its-kind Farm Audit verification program to ensure that all certified producers (farmers registered and certified with their county’s Agricultural Department), are selling the crops they grow, and not buying and reselling produce grown elsewhere. Initially, the main objective was to ensure that all crops sold at AIM’s markets were produced on land managed by the farmers selling at the markets. As time passed, Farm Audits evolved into a more robust program, designed to ensure transparency between consumers and farmers, support farmers by providing technical assistance, funding opportunities, and resource sharing, and increase access to markets for underrepresented growers throughout California.
AIM’s Farm Audit Program is now a three-part recurring process that reviews and verifies all products being offered at AIM markets.
Initial Farm Audit
When a farm or agricultural producer applies to join one of AIM’s Farmers Markets, they begin by submitting a detailed application that provides important information about their farming and ranching operations, including the size of their farm, a complete list of crops they would like to sell, what their farming/ranching philosophies are, and how they align with AIM’s mission to support the local food system in a climate friendly manner. If a market manager is interested in adding the applicant to their market, a farm audit is scheduled, and AIM staff visits the farm to verify all the information in the application. During the initial visit, AIM staff ensures that all crops are listed on their certified producer certificate issued by their county’s Agricultural Department, identifies any crops that are not listed, and identifies any aspects of the farm’s production that the applicant wishes to improve so that AIM can provide future support, or connect the producer to potential resources. Once the initial audit is completed, a report is presented to market staff, and the producer may be invited to join the market.
Stall Audits
Once at AIM markets, farms are selected at random for market audits. Market audits are conducted by market staff and comprehensively review everything—products listed on the farm’s certificate, proper informational signage, the cost of products being offered, whether the booth is safely set up, and other criteria. Farmers are given a copy of the audit report once it’s completed so they can make corrections or speak with the market manager about potential changes or requests. If products are found that are not listed on their certificate, the producer is required to remove the product until it can be verified and added to their certificate. If there are major discrepancies, it may lead to a follow-up audit conducted at the farm, to verify the production of the product being sold.
Recurring Farm Audits
Beginning in 2025, AIM will begin recurring audits for all existing farms at the markets once every three years. With over 150 farms and ranches selling at AIM markets, this equates to 50+ on site audits per year, in addition to new applicants. During recurring audits, AIM staff review any stall audits completed during the past year, ensure that all required documentation is up to date, and assess the farm’s evolution and whether there are areas where future support may be needed.
AIM’s Farm Audit program ensures that all farmers and ranchers selling at AIM markets have a fair opportunity to sell their products, gives consumers confidence that they are purchasing products grown as represented, and increases AIM’s ability to support and provide future opportunities for farmers. As the program looks to the future, AIM is excited to increase the level of support for farmers through technical assistance and increased access to workshops and funding for climate smart practices, and to provide ongoing access to the freshest local produce and food.