Weather impact on farmers' markets & other challenges

Not just here - hot and dry - but everywhere. Sometimes it is too much rain rather than none at all. Too hot. Not hot soon enough. Run a Google search for "weather + farmers markets. 

Today an Ohio news station, on of many, reports on the weather impact on farmers' market

"Delay in crops: extreme weather is a growing concern for farmers who make money off summer crops. The spring rain and summer heat has affected sweet corn and a few other crops.

Farmers have to take advantage of what mother nature provides. The amount of rain and heat not only impacts what you may see at a farmers' market but when you may see it there as well."

Why Shop At A Farmers Market?

We've said this before ~ linked, blogged, tweeted it too, but here we come again. Even adjusting for natural hype, there is no denying that the market continues to pick up, steadily developing a broader vendor and customer base. We'd like to more of both, vendors and shopper, especially local. Is anyone is still asking, "Why shop at a farmers market?" If so, here are some answers...

1. Buying Locally

Buying from your local farmer or home grower supports local agriculture and the local economy. This means that the food you are eating comes from nearby, and does not require us to waste lots of energy and petroleum to ship the food half-way around the world. You are eating food in your own environment, where it has perfectly-created nutrients for your specific climate and region. You are also supporting the environment by reducing the usage of fossil fuels.

2. Affordable Organic Fruits & Veggies

The Importance of The Market

from the Foodista blog, a video to remind you why to shop local and support local farmers markets. Yes, we said it before ~ and will say it again. Food sovereignty begins in the garden but needs to support and be supported by local farmers markets, shoppers and vendors ~ from home gardeners to local growers and processors.

Check out this lovely video from the Tacoma Farmers Market. It just makes you want to go shopping, doesn't it? No matter who you talk to about buying from the local market, they all say the same thing: Buy local, buy organic and know your producer. Have a peek.

The Importance of The Market

Support Mountainair Farm & Garden Market

Market organizer Nancy Stone writes,

Mountainair Farm and Garden Market Supporters, A word of encouragement and a request for your continuing support for the Saturday Farm and Garden markets. Opening  day showed strong interest and support by the local community, visitors and vendors alike. We offered special attractions to celebrate and make the occasion festive. Now we need your help to support the market and keep it growing. Like any worthy, longterm project, this one calls for cultivation to grow it steadily by word of mouth and cooperation. It won't happen overnight or without community involvement.

Farmers Market Plant Sales and Permits

~ addressing and hopefully answering questions that have arisen regarding Mountainair Farm & Garden Market licensing for plant sales (as opposed to produce, which does not require licensing) by registered vendors vs individual vendor licensing. Obviously, this is not an issue for already licensed commercial growers but would be for the the community garden and individual home gardeners.  

TITLE 21               AGRICULTURE AND RANCHING

CHAPTER 17        PEST, DISEASE, AND WEED CONTROL

PART 2                 PLANT NURSERY LICENSING AND INSPECTION

Source: New Mexico Commission of Public Records, 

http://www.nmcpr.state.nm.us/nmac/parts/title21/21.017.0002.htm