The Peaceful Revolution in Farmers’ Markets

[marmar]

from the Vancouver Sun, via CommonDreams:



Published on Monday, June 16, 2008 by The Vancouver Sun
The Peaceful Revolution in Farmers’ Markets
by Lynn Perrin


A peaceful revolution is taking place across North America. While it is neither underground nor covert, it may soon be quashed by local and provincial policy-makers. They potentially could assert that the revolution is too risky and that laws must be enacted in the public interest.

The revolutionaries in this case are ordinary consumers and farmers wishing to trade directly in local food products via farmers’ markets. Despite the growing popularity of these markets, they have had to overcome and still face ongoing legal and regulatory barriers that inhibit their expansion. These barriers have been justified in the name of food safety and public order.

Local decision-makers maintain barriers by refusing to alter the Vancouver city bylaw that makes it illegal for anyone to sell fresh fruit and vegetables outdoors without an annual “special event” permit. Farmers’ markets are denied the same five-year space allocations granted to community gardens located on parklands, based on the argument of discouraging flea markets and illegal sales. This lack of longer-term security for farmers’ markets reduces the willingness of farmers to participate and ultimately reduces access to local foods for consumers.

Another example of official barriers to farmers’ markets is the 2007 provincial regulations that have closed down smaller meat processors, thus denying cost-effective access to slaughtering facilities for small-scale farmers raising animals. This change also makes it difficult for both producers and their customers at farmers’ markets to have ensured traceability of the products that are sent off to distant slaughterhouses. This traceability is an important element for consumers wishing to have assured food quality and concerned about issues such as hormone additives, pesticide use and genetically modified ingredients.

The rules governing provincial farmers’ markets require that there be a direct interaction between the grower or processor and the consumer, which ensures traceability. This attribute is lacking in the conventional food industry, which depends on food grown or processed an average of 1,300 miles away and handled by up to six people before it reaches the consumer’s mouth. For growers and processors, direct interaction with people who are going to eat the food they produced is one of the main reasons for selling at farmers’ markets. ......(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/06/16/9666/

[havocmom]

1. Global Agri-Corps want independent producers out of business. Lots of laws now to do that

If you think Cartels controlling fuel is a horrible thing, wait until Cartels control all the food.

Support your local producers and act locally to ensure they can sell their goods to you.

[Theres-a]

14. I am so jealous of you

Will you be able to get Flathead Valley cherries and huckleberries?

[havocmom]

15. I am on the wrong side of the state for easy access to the Flathead goodies

Big state and I am at the wheat end of it ;)

Edited to add: Havocdad was reading the Billings Gazette online yesterday. Said the Farmer's Market sold a mess of goods including an amazing amount of tomatoes (green houses around the area). The Hudderite Colonies send a lot of food to market and sold out is a few hours. (Have to tell ya, their chickens are the tops! Just cooked one today :9 )

[Dover]

2. As food and fuel prices continue to rise, I expect there will be a Renaissance

of home and community gardens, and places to exchange goods.

A good farmer's market will have strict regulations on who can sell there in order to keep out the agri-businesses, cheap and low quality goods like citrus from Mexico where they've been grown without legal oversight, etc. Organic growers, for instance, have a strict set of regulations in order to be able to register as 'organic'.

I don't know about Canada, but the US green markets have, to my knowledge, been operating with few of the problems outlined in that article. It could change, but if serious impediments were to 'crop up', I think it would go from a quiet revolution to a very loud and violent one. People will not tolerate unreasonable controls on food, water and basic necessities.

I read the other day that one grocery store in California will be creating gardens on their roof where they can bypass transportation and other costs and go directly from their garden to the store...only steps away.

A local church in my community is going to transform a 1/2 acre of their land into a church community garden, most of which will go to the local food bank to feed those who need the assistance. It will include a rain collection system for primary watering needs.

There is much one can do to develop food resources closer to home, beginning with a home or community garden for growing some of the most commonly required veggies. And other local sources can be investigated and tapped even if local green markets are not available. Go directly to the source for locally grown and/or produced items, or at least become familiar with what's available should you need it (meat, cheese, dairy, etc.).

Our needs, desires and habits can indeed create a 'quiet revolution' in this country. We can make the most of difficult situations (like food and fuel shortages) by creating new ways of doing things.

[FirstLight]

3. Thanks Marmar... Kick & Rec too!

I tried to start my own garden this year, and realized after a while that my exhaustion level is too low, for me to make a dent in what I envision. I need a community of people to work with.!

I have heard that these revolutionary steps toward sustainability are the new Victory Gardens. Eating lower on the food chain and locally is beter for our imune systems, better for our community and better for the planet. It could help to have thngs in place for when the fuel prices go beyond sky high too...

again, thanks for bringing this issue to consciousness :)

[Dover]

7. Yes, there are so many benefits to community gardens!

Or even neighborhood gardens. If there is a vacant lot nearby, consider getting the neighborhood to buy or lease it for a community garden. A great way to not only provide fresh food, but to strengthen community.

[mopinko]

4. glad to live in the heart of blue, here.

one more of the many things my extremely democratic city has done is encouraged these markets. they are held in public parks, once a week, all over town.

[supernova]

5. 5 farmers' markets

within 25 miles of me, 4 of them within 10 miles. :D I just have to remember which days are which markets. :P

[Libby2]

11. I'm so jealous.

[kineneb]

6. fought that battle years ago in Cal. and won

now farmers markets are a big thing here. Big Agri doesn't like them, but were not able to stop the movement.

[Blaze Diem]

8. Indeed was at the local FMarket in downtown Dallas on Sat.

Tomatoes that actually TASTE like a tomatoe. Avocado, some herbs, squash, cukes, and the sweetest corn and melons. mmmmm. Next time I go I'll get enough fresh veggies for a huge pot of German Borscht and freeze some for later.
It is up to the communities to see the value of FM's and demand their ability to freely operate.
We the People need to organize and demand the right to create our own utopia, vs corporate dominance. At least at our local levels, perhaps its possible.

Bring back unions. Its the only way corporate was manageable years ago..in the good old days.
Once unions were broken, corporations moved in like a bad case of strep throat.
And that is why we are in this shit today.
Balance is necessary for life to sustain in a humane way.

[BrklynLib at work]

9. I take the Farmers' Markets for granted here in NYC. Never realized there could be opposition.

[Dover]

13. Is the Fulton Market at South Street Seaport still there?

That's the one I remember from my visit years ago.

[BrklynLib at work]

16. There are Farmers' Markets all over the city. It is amazing.

Not sure about the South Street Seaport Market. My guess is that it is still there.


http://www.cenyc.org/map?neighborhood=all&type=6

[Dover]

17. Yes there are so many! And that trend began at least 25 years ago in NYC!

That's how long it's been since I was there, but recall there being several around the city.
Good to know they are still going strong...or stronger. Thanks for the list. Don't see the Fulton Market on that list so it may now be defunct. From what I've read the Seaport area has been developed quite a bit since I was there, so they may have done away with the farmer's market. Or maybe it moved.

Anyway, it was nice to see all the community interaction at the market. As peopled as cities are, I know it can also be a very isolated existence for many. So I'm sure the markets play a big role socially as well as contributing to a healthy diet. And nice to have a little country in the city.

[mainegreen]

10. Here in Maine the state government has embraced them, both R's and D's.

:D

[Dover]

12. For those looking for online gardening support, there are two DU Forums to check out:

Were you aware that there are two forums full of first time gardeners/farmers as well as experienced folks right here on DU?

So if you're thinking of getting started with a home or community garden
or have experience to share, please join in!




Gardening -
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=246


Rural/Farm
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=268

[hippywife]

18. Another thing to be aware of

is the NAIS (National Animal Identification System.) This is proposed legislation being floated under the guise of food safety and homeland security that would require anyone who raises animals to have them chipped and registered. This would make it costly and a real hassle for the small producer. It is, of course, applauded and backed by factory producers such as Tyson who will receive exemptions, again of course. http://www.alternet.org/rights/62858/

If you want all the motivation you will ever need to begin making independent choices about the food you eat, the best book from that aspect is Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser. Trust me, after reading that book, you will never, ever eat meat from the grocery store or any restaurant (not just fast food trash) again.

Other books that were motivational from other aspects were Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver if you are interested in growing/producing/procuring locally; The Omnivore's Dilemma and In Defense of Food, both my Michael Pollan if you want to know why it is a good idea to turn away from corporate food production for your own health.