79.0°
Winter Fresh: Canning fresh produce from summer farmers markets can pay off in the midst of winter. From left: hot peppers, pickled onions, tomato-cauliflower relish. Photo by Olivia Dwyer |
CommentsWhat is a Farmers Market?
Published: February 11, 2010by Gary Romano
Chronicles of a Dirt Farmer
After my article last month, “2010: Time to Walk the Walk and Not Just Talk the Talk”, you’re either motivated to start buying local and help support small farmers, or you’ve said, “That’s just some dumb farmer’s opinion.” I do want to thank you for all of your wonderful responses; it does mean a lot to this farmer.
Over the next few months I would like to concentrate on how to get involved in supporting our local food system. I’m going to cover the dynamics of farmers markets and hopefully help to answer the questions, “What is a CSA?” “Who are the local farmers and ranchers?” and “How can I get involved with local food groups?”
Farmers Markets
Farmers markets began to resurface about 10 years ago. Last year alone, farmers markets grew by 30 percent in California. One reason for this could be tha, in general, people are getting frustrated with industrial food corporations that mislead the general public in their advertising, labeling, and use of GMO (genetically modified organisms) or “super foods.” People are flocking to farmers markets and realizing the value of knowing where their food is coming from, and the person(s) who grows it for them. If you don’t believe me, watch the movie “Food Inc.” That will change the way you see our corporate food system.
Farmers markets are usually operated through a nonprofit organization or public entity. The markets are usually segregated into three categories: farmers, food service, and crafters. To be considered a farmer you must produce at least $1,000 worth of a grown product per year, verified by the County Agricultural Commissioner, by way of a Producer’s Certificate. You must verify that the produce (fruits, vegetables, value-added) was grown on your farm. You cannot buy and re-sell produce. You are allowed to sell for two other growers, and they must verify to the commissioner that you can sell for them. Livestock producers, food service, and sampling are regulated by USDA inspectors, as well as county and state Health Departments. Usually you pay a fee to join the local farmers market association (for example, the Foothill Farmers Market Association), and a weekly stall fee ranging from $30 to $50 depending on the size of the stall.
Getting To Know Your Farmer
Farmers are definitely a unique group of individuals! We come in all shapes and sizes, different personalities, from all walks of life. Some fit the “hippie, dreadlock” organic stereotype; some are the “red-neck” beef producer stereotype; others are ethnic, multiple-family farmers (Hispanic, Chinese, Hmong) working together and attending many markets throughout California. For some, it’s their livelihood; for others it’s additional summer income. No matter where we all come from we have a common bond. That bond is to grow food for you. You ask any farmer at a market and they will tell you, “Ours is the best!” We all take pride in the product we raise, grow, or create. It’s hard work, long hours, and not much profit, but we love what we do. Nothing hurts more than someone complaining about your product. Nine times out of 10 you can get free tomatoes for last week’s bad ones. Since when has Safeway given you credit on bad produce?
The Real Costs
Sometimes I hear comments like, “The prices are too high at the farmers market.” Now, let’s take a minute to think about pricing. For example, a bag of potato chips at a local grocery store can be almost $4. Why would you not want to spend $4 on a bag of organic salad greens from a farmer instead? The comparisons are numerous, and pricing complaints are often just an excuse. Once you get to know your farmer you can then reap the full benefits, which can include the following: saving you the last tomatoes or bag of spinach because you were late, charging you only $1 per pound when the sign says $2 per pound, or giving you free samples of other products to try — along with a recipe on how to cook or prepare them.
We are your local food experts! Need advice on what varieties to pick from? Help with your gardens? What’s coming into season next week? The farmer is there for you — no extra charge!
The best part for farmers at the markets is the visits. That’s what we really live for! We all have our favorite customers that flirt with us, tell jokes, give us cookies, or even give us some excuse why they couldn’t buy this week. As for fellow farmers and vendors, it’s usually a big social event for us: complaining about the weather, loss of sales, the gossip among growers, and just teasing each other about the day’s activities.
One major way to take advantage of farmers markets is to buy in bulk. Get into canning, pickling, or freezing for the winter months. Farmers always have “peaks and valleys” in their crops. You can get great prices on ripe peaches and tomatoes for little to nothing if you plan ahead. That’s the real savings. So get out there and find your favorite farmer!
Currently our local farmers markets are:
Auburn: Saturdays 8 a.m.to noon at the Auburn Courthouse
Chico: Saturdays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. downtown on Second Street
A thought for buying local:
Business goes where it is invited and stays where it is well treated.
~ American proverb
~ Gary Romano owns Sierra Valley Farms, which sits on some of his family’s original 3,600-acre ranch in Beckwourth. sierravalleyfarms.com
0 Reader Comments so far ...
Be the first to comment on this article!