Intro to 2008 at MCFARM

From CFI

County Farmers’ Markets Receive USDA Grant

It is spring and the farmers’ market season is soon approaching. As you anticipate the coming of fresh strawberries, vibrant salad greens, tantalizing cheeses and many of the other bounties of our local farms, the market managers have been busy working on some new projects for this upcoming season. We have exciting news! The Mendocino County Farmers’ Market Association has received a USDA Promotional Grant. The goals of the grant are to improve all of the Farmers’ Markets within the county, support local farmers and market vendors and to increase accessibility of local foods to a diverse population in our market communities. You will notice some exciting additions this year. Through funding from the grant all markets will be able to purchase new signs or upgrade old ones. We will be having regular newspaper articles throughout the county on local markets, foods, farmers and more. Markets will have chef demonstrations using local produce to inspire and educate shoppers on the eating and preparing of foods in season. Recycling will be encouraged with signs throughout the markets reminding shoppers to bring their own bags. A variety of market tote bags will be offered at a reasonable cost to help reduce the use of plastic bags. Surveys will be conducted at the markets to get consumer opinions to help our Farmers’ Markets thrive.

The Farmers’ Markets are welcoming the Hispanic population.   At the Ukiah, Fort Bragg, Boonville and Willits markets there will be a Spanish speaker to encourage and help make the market a friendly place for the Latino shopper. 

The grant is funding our markets to create CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) programs, while supporting the already existing programs in Boonville and Laytonville. We have decided to call this program “Friends of MCFARM”,(MCFARM being a somewhat loose acronym for the Mendocino County Farmers’ Market Association). Memberships can be purchased, giving members “market dollars” to be spent each week at any produce or food vendor of their choice, with any unspent dollars being saved for the next market visit. As a centerpiece of the grant we asked for funding to help subsidize memberships for families and individuals in need. This piece of the grant was not funded, so we are turning to our communities for help. We will be accepting MCFARM sponsorships for those in need. Also, “Gift” memberships will be available. What a great way to celebrate a friend or family member by giving them “market dollars” to spend on fresh, locally grown produce, while enjoying the richness and fun of the market place. A Friends of MCFARM membership benefits local farmers, builds strong community and supports the local economy.

	A “Friends of MCFARM” table will be set up at markets to sell memberships.  They will also distribute nutritional information and recipes, sell tote bags and be happy to answer any questions or lend a hand.   At some of the markets, Master Gardeners will be at the “Friends” table to give demonstrations and local gardening tips.

This Farmer’s Market season promises to be fun and delicious as ever. Many of the markets will be starting in May. Come by for the best in local foods, be inspired by a chef demonstration, join MCFARM and gift a membership and taste the bounty of our local farms. Oh, and don’t forget to bring your bag!