MacNear honored with farmers market Hall of Fame award

‘Davis Farmers Market manager Randii MacNear received the Hall of Fame Award from the North American Farmers’ Direct Marketing Association on Feb. 6. The award was presented at the association’s “Celebrate Excellence Dinner” during the 28th annual association convention in Portland, Ore.

“Randii MacNear is a pioneer in the small-scale agriculture movement in California who changed the agricultural reality not only for the state, but across the entire continent,” said Brent Warner, retired agritourism and marketing specialist with the British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture.

“She fought for small farmers when no one was listening and she helped to create the environment that now allows farmers and farmers markets to be successful all across North America. As an agricultural professional, Randii has been a mentor for over 25 years.”

Warner acknowledged MacNear’s work as statewide coordinator of the California Certified Farmers Market component of the California Department of Health Services’ Children’s 5-A-Day Campaign, her work as coordinator and co-founder of California Federation of Certified Farmers Markets, and as chair of North American Farmers Market Coalition of the direct marketing association for eight years.

Warner also spoke about MacNear’s work as board member and planner for the association’s conferences as well as California Small Farm Conferences.

Kerry Engel, food and health manager at Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, and current president of the association’s board of directors, spoke of MacNear’s passion for the industry and love of what she does.

“At my first NAFDMA meeting, I met this wonderfully vibrant and deeply passionate woman named Randii MacNear. Over the four years I served on the board with Randii, she taught me several things,” Engel said: “Never be afraid to dress up like a vegetable. The world needs more fun and whimsy. Stand for something. Be passionate about something. Live your life with purpose. Always be a leader.

“You don’t have to be president to guide, mentor or help others find their way. Leadership comes at all levels.”