05/07/2026
From: Idaho Falls Farmers' Market Board of Directors
Subject: Board of Directors Changes and FAQ
Date: May 7, 2026
The Idaho Falls Farmers’ Market Board of Directors recognizes that recent events have caused concern, frustration, and loss of trust among vendors, customers, and the broader community.
We are sorry that this transition process took longer than many people wanted. The board initially hoped to hold a vendor meeting to address concerns and move through next steps together. However, as planning developed, concerns about vendor and board member safety became a crucial factor. Based on information shared with us, it became clear that a public meeting at that time was unlikely to allow for a safe, orderly, or productive transition process.
Because of that, the board turned to the existing bylaws and guidance from the market’s attorney. The board determined that using the results of the most recent board election, held at the annual meeting in November 2025, was the safest and most democratic way to move forward without current board members personally selecting who would serve on the new board.
To complete that process, on the evening of May 6, 2026, current board members resigned in succession and were replaced according to the prior election results until a new board could be seated with enough members to conduct business under the bylaws.
As of now, no prior board members remain on the Idaho Falls Farmers’ Market Board.
The market will continue as scheduled. The new board will be responsible for leading the organization moving forward, communicating with vendors, and determining what additional changes may be needed.
We appreciate the patience of vendors, customers, and community members as the new board gets its footing. Given the scope of this transition, there may be temporary delays, communication gaps, or operational hiccups as responsibilities are transferred. There are many operational details involved in running the market, including things that may seem small, but matter in practice, such as coordinating vendor placement, preparing the market site, managing communication, and even making sure porta potties are locked Friday night so they are ready for public use on Saturday morning. We ask for understanding as the new board works to keep the market functioning and stable through this change.
We know this does not answer every question. The FAQ below addresses some of the most urgent questions and concerns we have seen from vendors, members, and the community.
Our hope is that this transition allows the market to move forward with new leadership and renewed focus on serving vendors and the community.
Current Board of Directors:
Landon Knowles, President
Phil Jorde, Vice President
Angel Wilder, Secretary
Stuart McKim, Treasurer
FAQ
What is the IFFM?
It is an Idaho non-profit corporation. It obtains space for the market, allocates space at the market to vendors, and provides marketing and private security. Fees are as follows:
Annual Fees:
Membership Dues: $175 per business. Each business sharing a booth space must pay a separate membership fee.
Stall Fees:
Grass or Road Area: $25 per space
Pads: $100 per space (23-25 spaces available)
Application Fee: $25 (non-refundable, regardless of acceptance)
Weekly Fees:
6% of taxable sales or $10, whichever is greater.
Walk-On Fees:
$40 per day + 6% of taxable sales or $10, whichever is greater.
How are IFFM Board members chosen?
Each year at the end of the season, there is a member (vendors) meeting to elect the board members for any open positions. This process will change this year. Terms are for 1 year. There is some turnover year to year. The board members are not paid, but are volunteers. The market manager advises the board, but does not have a vote.
What are the duties of the market manager?
The market manager handles logistics, like setup for each market, assigning spaces, and collecting fees. They also staff the market information booth and help sell merchandise, as well as having a roll in coordinating with the city and sponsors.
When Mr. Poston was hired, were there any conditions imposed on his employment?
His probation officer required him to be paired with another adult (a chaperone) while engaged with the public. That included at the market and in hiring interviews for seasonal staff.
Did the IFFM threaten those who spoke out against Mr. Poston or the market?
The market has had issues with certain vendors verbally, and in some cases physically, abusing both staff and board members, mostly on issues related to placement in the market and conflicts with other vendors. A policy was adopted that consistent belittling behavior would result in fines and/or termination from the market. The IFFM holds a pre-market meeting and a closing meeting each year open to all members and opinions can freely be expressed there or to market staff and board members as long as the presentation is not abusive. The exact policy from the vendor rules that all members agreed to reads, “Abusive behavior towards market staff will result expulsion from the market.” Board members regularly interact with vendors on an array of topics. There is no policy that bars discussion of any particular topic, only the manner and behavior of said discussion to ensure respectful dialogue.
Did the board ever give permission for Mr. Poston to visit schools?
No. That was done without knowledge of the board.
Why didn’t the board fire Mr. Poston?
Mr. Poston chose to resign before the board took action to terminate him. Him resigning also released the market of liability of a cash payment for early termination of his contract.
Has the Market taken any extra precautions given the security concerns?
Yes, we have added extra security. The police are on notice and will have a presence as well.
Will there be fines for vendors who pulled out of the May 9th market given the circumstances?
Absolutely not. Vendors are concerned for safety or waiting to see what steps the board was going to take in response to the events that have taken place. Vendors should still inform the board through the known channels, such as Manage My Market, if they intend to miss May 9th or any future dates, to maintain smooth market operations.
Will there be a vendor meeting for all the vendors?
This is something being discussed. There are issues of location, but also the reality of just how much there is to learn. We are available for comment via the board email address for vendors to let us know how we can best represent them: [email protected]
How can we contact the board with questions or concerns?
You can use the email address [email protected]. The new board members are also all admins within the IFFM Vendor Facebook group.
