| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| the butchers wife |
Posted - Sep 25 2010 : 2:42:55 PM
Hey fellow farmgirls,
I'm working on a couple merit badges. So, today I went to my first farmer's market, actually two different ones. I purchased all the food I need for the entire week for... drum roll please... $20. And this even includes bread and pasta, and a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Why, oh why isn't there a farmer's market revolution happening?
Not only was it a great social event, but I was putting money in the hands of my neighbors and local farmers. Also, I'm saving money in my pocket book. And let's be honest, it's going to help my chubby waistline as well.
My discovery of the farmer's market was bad timing, there's only a few more weeks left in the season.
But here's my question to you all... How does a person start a farmer's market? We don't have one in my small town, but we need one. If anyone can give me some insight or resources to help me investigate the idea further that would be wonderful.
Thanks,
kelly |
| 3 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Montrose Girl |
Posted - Sep 26 2010 : 05:54:28 AM
Kelly, Isn't the farmer's market the best feeling. Seeing all those fresh veggies, the people who know exactly what they are selling and don't need a flip chart to identify it. I love them. As far as starting a market it will depend on your area. As De said there may not be enough people for your farmer's to feel it is worth their time, but we have one in Hotchkiss. It's a small town in CO. It took a few years t catch on but the lady was persistent. You will need to find vendors and a location. I think the website Deb recommended also has ideas for starting one. The hardest part can be convincing the farmer's of its worth in a very small place. If they have to drive in very far their gas costs eat up profit. So start talking to farmers to see if any are willing. You mentioned the one CSA, but are their other growers in your area?
Best of luck and this is the BEST time to be planning one for next year. In another month the farmers won't be as crazy busy and have time to talk.
Laurie
Best Growing |
| the butchers wife |
Posted - Sep 25 2010 : 5:51:59 PM
Eldon is 10 minutes from the Lake of the Ozarks. And I have to drive at least 30 minutes to the nearest farmers market. I know of one CSA group and unfortunately I've heard it's not real reliable, so I have not commited to such thing. But, I love the idea of being a part of something like that.
kelly |
| Deb H |
Posted - Sep 25 2010 : 3:58:10 PM
Hey, Kelly! Where is Eldon? I live in the suburbs of St. Louis and you can find a farmer's market somewhere around the St. Louis area nearly every day/evening of the week. It seems to me that there would be more of them out where the farmers actually live, but maybe they get more business by coming to the city. If you go to localharvest.org you can search for farmers markets, stores and restaurants in your area that serve local food. Also CSA's, so you can get fresh produce directly from a farm. I belong to one that utilizes local producers for meat, cheese, eggs, bread, coffee, etc and it lasts 11 months out of the year.
"Well-behaved women rarely make history" - Laurel Thatcher Ulrich |
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