Farmer/Rancher Membership

To be eligible you must:

• Grow or raise foods or other agricultural products (ornamental plants, bedding plants or Christmas trees) in Nebraska primarily for consumption in the state.
• OR Grow/raise foods in a bordering state with majority of sales in Nebraska will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• BFBL products must be traceable to a specific farm.
• BFBLN materials should be used only for locally grown products. BFBLN members that also retail non-locally produced items are asked to take care that such products are properly labeled to distinguish them from local foods. (example: Missouri peaches)

Membership Fees

• Farmer & Rancher Membership Fee $45

Business/Restaurant/Grocery Membership

To be eligible you must:

• Own, operate, or represent a business in Nebraska that sells food or other products grown in Nebraska, or made from Nebraska-grown products. (example: pies made from Nebraska apples)
• OR are a business that packages, distributes and /or handles local food for sale. (As long as the products are clearly branded and have their “original identity” preserved through the retail point of sale). (example: meat locker)
• Have a commitment to purchasing and promoting local foods as a stated marketing message or value/principle of the business.

We ask that you promote your local purchases and your farmer partners in your: menu, advertisements and conversations.

Fees are based on the size of each business, as determined by gross sales:

• Small Businesses $200 (<$1 million in gross sales)
• Medium Businesses $400 (<$1-5 million in gross sales
• Large Businesses $1,200 (<5 million in gross sales)

Farmers' Market Membership

BFBLN program is committed to the support of our unique foodshed and our Farmers’ Market Members. BFBLN program is a membership based program of family farms, farmers’ markets and locally owned businesses that support local food systm.

To be eligible you must:

• Be located in the state of Nebraska with the majority of vendors from Nebraska
• Have a no brokering or limited brokering poli-cy in effect for the market to demonstrate a commitment to local foods.

You can use BFBLN materials to only promote your markets. Vendors must join individually to use signage and point of purchase materials

Membership Fees: (based on the number of vendors at-tending each of your markets)

• 1-10 Vendors: $40
• 11-20 Vendors: $100
• 21+ Vendors: $150

Friend/Supporter of BFBLN

You Receive:

• Recognition as a strong supporter of the local food system.
• Sponsor certificate personalized with your business or organization’s name.
• Listing on the sponsorship page in the BFBL 2011printed Local Food Guide, on our Facebook page and on website.
• 10% off all BFBLN merchandise (t-shirts, aprons, bags)

Sponsorship Levels

• Steward $5,000 and up
• Sower $2,000—$4,999
• Harvester $1,000—$2,499
• Tiller $500—$999
• Gardener $300—$499
• Individual Friend $100 (only $8.50 a month)
• $50.00
• $25.00
• Gift Membership $25.00

Benefits & Criteria of BFBLN Membership

For a small membership fee, members are:

1. Listed in a beautiful, professionally designed directory with listings of producers, restaurants, stores, farmers' markets & institutions that sell locally produced food
2. Listed in the Online Food Guide
3. Sent a BFBLN Certificate & POP display cards for their business, restuarant or market
4. Promoted through the webstie, email & Facebook
5. Featured in a weekly Featured Member of the Week article!

(Members choosing to join after May 15, 2011 will not be in the printed food guide for this year due to printing dates)

Information on Buy Fresh Buy Local Nebraska:

• BFBLN's goal is to make it easier for consumers to find, purchase & appreciate local foods & to support farmers & ranchers who produce our food.
• BFBLN provides a network for local farms, ranches, retailers, processors & interested organizations/individuals to work together in building a regional, sustainable food system.
  
• BFBLN works to promote & support local foods. With on-going grass roots support, it is a collaborative effort of NSAS, NCDC, and Great Plains RC&Ds, along with its national partner, Foodroutes Network.
• Individual assistance and advice is provided by calling the Buy Fresh Buy Local Nebraska office 402-472-5273.