Grey, overcast, and threatening to rain: a typical Saturday in the spring at the Farmers Market, here in Bellingham Washington. I arrived 15 minutes before the market opened to make my vendor selection for this week’s assignment. Some of the vendors were still hustling to set up, but for the most part they were standing around drinking a hot beverage, smiling, laughing, talking with the other early arrivals. I picked Terra Verde Gardens to speak to as a man began singing and playing his guitar for change. I choose Terra Verde because of the huge beautiful displays of radishes, salad turnips (what?) and other greens. I bought bok choy (yes, I’ve never used it), salad turnips and some arugula. The second thing that caught my eye, was a brochure, “2010 Community Supported Agriculture” . It turns out you can buy shares in the business. It works this way: you can buy a full share, a ¾ share, or a Farmers Market Share. This money is used to cover the farms short fall of cash when it’s needed for spring planting and other costs. In return you get a box, yes a box of the current week’s fresh veggie every week of the Market!
Terra Verde farms is certified organic and is owned by Amy and Skuter Fontaine and located in Everson. Terra Verde has fan page on Face Book where they have recipes and other interesting stuff. The recipe I chose has bok choy in a stir fry with garlic and red pepper flakes. If you like garlic, you’ll love this. I felt like a savvy informed consumer to be purchasing food at the Farmers Market after a month of food shock since this class started.
I liked this article because it studied value and markets:
Connell, David J., Smithers, John, and Alun Joseph. "Farmers' Markets and the “Good Food” Value Chain: Complete. Web. 1 May 2010.
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I think it is interesting that Terra Verde farms have set up a system so that their buyers can own a share of the farm. I think is a good way to promote sustainability and the donation of a box of the current week's fresh vegetables is a good way to promote organic and affordable healthy eating.
ReplyDeleteHi Emily, ya,I'd never heard of it. I like it because it helps eliminate the uncertainty for both parties-the grower gets an established market, and the purchaser gets a ready supply of fresh veggies. It's kinda like a gym membership in the sense that if you pay for something, you'll more likely use it. In this case, it would help me to get down their and pick up the veggies instead of saying I don't have the time.
ReplyDeleteI wish I would have been able to observe the Market as you did. Also acquire the information that you did. Others may be quite aware of the fact that you can buy a farmers market share,however this was all a new experience for me.The idea of buying shares sounds like it would benefit all parties involved. I would love to get a box of fresh fruit or vegetables every week.
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