Awards

Awards and Recognition

For nearly five decades, Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets has been recognized locally, statewide, and nationally for excellence in farmers market operations, community service, and support of small family farms. These honors reflect the dedication of our farmers, vendors, staff, and partners—and the communities who continue to support local agriculture.

• Aptos Farmers Market — Voted America’s Favorite Farmers Market in California (American Farmland Trust), 2011, 2012, 2013, and ranked third in the U.S.
• Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets — Retail & Wholesale Award, Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce (2012)
• Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets — Organization of the Year, Aptos Chamber of Commerce (2011), with additional Certificates of Recognition from the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, California State Senators Joe Simitian and Sam Blakeslee, Assemblymember Bill Monning, and a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition signed by Congressman Sam Farr for “invaluable service to the community”
• Named one of the Best Coastal Farmers Markets by Coastal Living Magazine (2011)
• Edible Paradise — Selected as Best Website for Seasonal Recipes and Local Food (2011)
• Voted Best Farmers Market in Santa Cruz County by Good Times readers (2010–2025, consecutive years)
• Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets — Business of the Year, Aptos Chamber of Commerce (2025)
• Voted Best Agriculture Business Association by Monterey County Weekly (2025)
• Voted Best Fruits and Vegetables — Farmers Markets by The Carmel Pine Cone (2025)