Manager’s Note
Hi and welcome to the first newsletter of the 2007 Farmers’ Market
Season. After lot of organizing, markets are underway. First market, we
all enjoyed downpours of rains as we set up, fortunately giving way to
clear skies as customers made it to market. Although we started a week
later this year due to the way the dates fall, we are off to a good
start financially, on course with last year’s income. Currently, we are
gearing up for the Kinetic Sculpture race on May 26, with the Oyster
Festival not too far away on June 16. Check out the manager’s stand to
see this year’s T-shirt and poster images from Willow Creek Farm. NCGA
aprons are in the works! We also have a new wireless EBT machine,
making food stamp transactions easier for customers and managers. T
will be returning from maternity leave as full-time Market Manager,
with her first market being on June 23. I’d like to thank you all for
your support as I’ve stepped into the whirlwind of organizing our
NCGA’s Farmers’ Markets, it’s definitely been quite the ride. -Allyson
- Calendar Project and Advertising Opportunity!
In celebration of
NCGA’s 30th Anniversary, NCGA and the Community Alliance for Family
Farmers (CAFF) are teaming up to bring you a calendar featuring
paintings from Alan Sanborn. Alan has been creating artwork for NCGA’s
Farmers’ Market posters for 12 years. We are excited to compile these
images into one calendar. We are seeking sponsorship for each calendar
page. Sponsorship costs $250 and you will receive a month of
advertising visibility on the calendar with placement of your logo and
contact info/hours. Or split a page with a friend for $125 each.
Contact Michelle at 707-444-3255. Hurry, deadline is May 31.
Weekday Markets
The first week of June kicks off our weekday Farmers’ Markets.
Contact the market manager on the voicemail (707-441-9999) if
interested in participating or for further info.
Old Town, Eureka
Tuesdays 10am – 1pm
June 5 – Oct 30
Manager: David MacCuish
Wildberries, Arcata
Tuesdays, 3:30pm – 6:30pm
June 5 – Oct 30
Manager: Amanda Barker
Henderson Center, Eureka
Thursdays 10am – 1pm
June 7 – Oct 25
Manager: David MacCuish
McKinleyville Shopping Center
Thursdays, 3:30-6:30pm
June 7 – Oct 25
Manager: Denise Payne
Board Meetings – April 11, May 12 and June 9th
Your Board met April 11 and one of the things discussed was ideas
on how to include all the farmers in the organization’s working. There
was concern that there is such a long time between membership meetings
that maybe farmers might want to have 3 or 4 membership meetings a year
(instead of 2) so the general membership could be more included
throughout the year. This might lead to shorter membership meetings
since we wouldn’t have to cover all the year’s business in only 2
meeting per year. We’d love to hear your thoughts. Could you deal with
another meeting – maybe between March and November. While you’re
pondering that, could you give some thought to another situation that’s
come up. Namely, should the actual farmer be required to show up for
some minimum number of markets or may they send an employee to sell for
them at all the markets. This was kicked around at length and we’re
leaning towards requiring a minimum. The thinking is that providing
direct contact with the customer is part of what we’re all about. This
will be presented for a vote at the next membership meeting. We’d love
to hear your thoughts. We also discussed the “HSU Welcome Back” day on
the Plaza, which will occur on August 25. This is an event where
students, their families and HSU faculty are invited to the Plaza to
enjoy the Farmers’ Market and the downtown area. There will be
information tables on the Plaza and buses for free transportation.
Although the Board does not feel that such an event will necessarily
help sales, we also felt that we should participate in a welcome for
the students. At the May 12 meeting, organizers from this event came
and we worked on some logistics. The organizers wanted the entire Plaza
closed to vehicle traffic, the Board agreed to closing 8th and 9th
Streets. At the May 12 meeting, Deborah Giraud presented information
regarding a new web-based sales grant, which is summarized elsewhere in
this newsletter.
The next board meeting is Saturday, June 9, at 4pm at the North Coast
Co-op in Arcata and, as always, any one is welcome to attend. If
there’s an item on the agenda you especially want to address or you
just want to see what goes on (voodoo, sacrificing small animals, etc.)
feel free to join us. We’d love to see ya. Agendas will be at the
Manager’s Stand a week before the meeting.
- Midge
Community Alliance with Family Farmers
The Humboldt chapter of CAFF, formerly Friends of the Farmers’
Markets was established in 2006 to serve as a hub for community
projects and grassroots efforts relating to the region’s food system
including Farm-to-School, community food system education, product
distribution, and market development. Two of our goals are to
strengthen existing sales relationships with local institutions, and to
develop agricultural export markets for Humboldt grown produce. Through
a combination of private, public and non-profit partnerships, we are
working to create an efficient, rural distribution network that
enhances the economic sustainability of our local agriculture and
improves access to local food. We are also dedicated to increasing
awareness of local agriculture through community events and projects
that highlight regional farms and the importance of sustainable
agriculture. Activities scheduled for this year include: local
farm/farmers’ market tours, a 2nd calendar in partnership with NCGA,
community forums, and local food month activities including an upscale
dinner at a local farm. If you’re interested in helping plan these
events please call 444-3255 or email michelle@caff.org
Gleaning Program - Share the Wealth!
For 6 years local area farmers have donated thousands of pounds to
Food For People, Humboldt County’s food bank. Despite the bounty of
Humboldt County, many of our community members lack access to fresh
produce, essential to a balanced diet. We would like to ask all local
farmers and gardeners to consider donating any unmarketable, or extra
produce to the food bank. No amount is too small, all is welcome!
Farming leaves little to spare, therefore we will provide insured
volunteers to directly pick up and/or harvest any available produce on
the farm or at each weekly farmer’s market. If you would like to
participate in the gleaning program please contact Katie at 445-3166
ext:312, or kharbaugh@foodforpeople.org.
Northwest California Web Based Marketing Project; The Virtual Farmer’s Market.
The UC Cooperative Extension Advisor, Deborah Giraud, has been
funded to develop a new sales tool for farmers. The virtual farmer’s
market website will expand direct producer to consumer marketing
opportunities region-wide through the development of a web-based
marketing system. The website will provide a list of exact products
available, and a mechanism to contact that seller who will coordinate
delivery. Customers and consumers will benefit by receiving product
deliveries either from the farm, at local distribution points, or
through distributors such as ProPacific and several other regional
trucking companies. Some producers may have products that can be
shipped, such as dried wreaths, jams etc. All local producers will be
welcome to use the site. This project expands on work UCCE and C.A.F.F.
has been working on in Farm-to School marketing efforts in Humboldt
County, by including two other counties to form a regional approach. We
have developed many excellent contacts with farmers and institutional
buyers. This project will be a close collaboration between UC
Cooperative Extension in Humboldt and Trinity Counties, the RC&D,
CAFF and the Farm Bureau marketing committee. All collaborators have
small farm sustainability as a major goal in common. Funds will be used
for:
1) web sales site development. 2) Coordinator time to get farm products
listed, and train farmers and buyers in the initial use. 3) Publicity
and direct demonstration and training to restaurants, school food
buyers, other buyers and the farmers (sellers).
For more information please contact Deborah Giraud at 445-7351.
Organic Planet Festival – Sunday, August 26
- The Organic Planet Festival (www.organicplanetfestival.org ) is northern California's only organic festival
- where you'll find great music, fantastic food, fun kids' activities
and inspirational speakers. Featuring presentations and workshops by
experts and community groups, the Organic Planet Festival also
showcases wares from 60+ exhibitors. The best part is -- it's all
organic or non-toxic! Produced by Californians for Alternatives to
Toxics, the Organic Planet Festival is an educational event that’s fun
for all. Come join us on Sunday, August 26th from 11am-7pm at Halvorsen
Park in Eureka, and be a part of this celebration of creative solutions
for a natural, non-toxic and organic planet
This year CATs shifted the Organic Planet Festival from Saturday to
Sunday, in part, because they want to be better partners with the North
Coast Growers Association. With help from some volunteers, NCGA is
working on having a booth at Organic Planet to sell our organic
T-shirts and bags and provide information about Farmers’ Markets and
local agriculture. If you’d like to be involved with NCGA’s information
booth or have a booth of your own contact organizer Matt Lang at
707-445-5100 ext 202 for more details.
North Coast Regional Energy Alternatives Conference
Plan It Green (www.HumboldtPlanItGreen.com) is hosting the upcoming
FREE North Coast Regional Energy Alternatives Conference. This exciting
event will take place at the Arcata Community Center on Saturday June
23, 2007 with a Green Homes tour on Sunday June 24th. Saturday will
include an EXPO showcasing green building and energy related products
and services, three concurrent lecture/workshop sessions, and followed
by Local Foods Plan It Green Benefit Dinner created by local chefs with
local produce. Plan It Green is looking for support in reaching their
goal of a locally produced meal. They welcome donations (or reduced
cost) fresh produce, salads, locally processed foods, in kind
sponsorship from your store or business, and volunteers for cooking the
meal. Those interested, please contact Lia Webb at 707-443-8326 x142 or
LiaWebb@w-and-k.com.
Music Sponsorship
Big thanks to Northcoast Horticulture Supply for sponsoring six
weeks of music this season! In addition, they are offering a 15% off
coupon for NCGA farmers for use in their stores in Eureka (60 W. 4th
St.) and McKinleyville (1580 Nursery Rd. – off Central Ave, N of School
Rd). You can pick up your coupon at the Manager’s Stand. Thanks
Northcoast Horticulture!
Opportunity:
Café Brio is looking for local produce to include in their
pastries, sandwiches, etc. Even very small quantities are sought. If
interested call Café Brio at 822-5922 or stop by.
Available:
Spinning wheels. #1 Clemes & Clemes oak spinning wheel with
jumbo flyer...$275 and #2 Reconditioned castle wheel....$200. Contact
Brad and Adrienne Werren at 707-442-5002 or warren@reninet.com
Wax cardboard boxes. Used to hold chicken, so suitable for reuse for
non-edible items (e.g., flowers, plants, etc.) Weekly delivery
possible. Contact Mike at City of Arcata Environmental Services,
707-825-2164.
Soaker/Drip Hose available for trade for veggies, flowers, etc. ¾ inch, 25ft and 50ft sections. Call Leonard 707-839-2367.
Birth Announcements:
Hazel Havens Neukom. Born April 8, 2007, to Amy and Jacques.
Baby Boy Riley. Born May 3, 2007, to Lauren and Ino.
Sophia Blessing Griffin. Born December 6, 2006 to T and Marnin
