AERO KUFM COMMENTARY

Cindy Baril

September 21, 2006

 FARMER’S MARKETS IN MONTANA

The cool mornings and shorter days bring us the realization that fall is almost uponus and with it a yearning for fall foods such as potatoes, apples, a variety of peppers and winter squash. You can enjoy all these foods and more at your local farmers’ market.

Farmers’ markets are growing in Montana, with more vendors selling their wares, everything from local homegrown vegetables and fruits to hand made furniture, pottery, and other crafts. Two new farmers’ markets started this summer in the communities of Boulder and Whitehall. The Helena market has more vendors and customers than ever before.

One of the greatest benefits farmers markets offer to customers is an opportunity to meet the farmers who grow their food. I am a certified organic produce farmer in the north Helena valley and I gain much satisfaction with the relationship I have with our customers. Some comments from our customers, “I so love your garlic, or what is kohlrabi and how do you fix it?” It is an educational process for all of us, and it is fun too, even on cold rainy days, because my customers value the fresh, locally grown food. It is a spiritual connection for me personally, to nurture the soil and plants and to reap the benefits of growing healthy food for our customers. “Food for the soul, body, and mind” is my mantra when I arise in the dark or grudgingly leave the garden at nightfall.

Farmer’s markets are a wonderful social event as well as a local economic boon. They are a gathering place for families, and friends, (and pets in some markets), and a venue for vendors and customers to network and promote their goods. As a vendor, I enjoy visiting and sharing knowledge and recipes with the folks who visit our produce stand. Some markets host music events with local musicians; others incorporate community service. All of them are inclusive and inviting for their communities. The friendly and welcoming atmosphere keeps bringing folks back.

The markets provide fresh, often organic and sustainable grown local food to communities. Foods are fresh, tasty, and healthy, having not traveled thousand of miles to get where we live, been in long storage, or treated with chemicals to prevent spoilage. There are health benefits from eating vine-ripened produce in the prime of its season as well as good taste. Families and older adults on limited incomes with USDA coupons, also have an opportunity to buy locally grown seasonable produce which benefits them nutritionally and broadens the diversity of the customers we and the market serve.

Farmers’ markets contribute and enhance the economies of our local communities. Local vendors make or supplement their livelihoods, and their businesses help sustain local economies. Every dollar spent at a farmers market circulates __ three to four___ times in your community. People often shop at other local businesses on farmers’ market day too, spreading prosperity beyond the market vendors.

Most farmers’ markets run through September and quite a few through the end of October. At this time of year, folks can find local pumpkins, winter squash, colorful sunflowers, corn stalks, and apples as well as other goodies, such as homemade breads, jellies, jams, honey, and crafts like hand-made jewelry. We are fortunate in Helena to have vendors such as the Helena Clay Arts Guild and local musicians as well as vendors ranging from local apple growers to artists displaying their products.

If you haven’t had the pleasure of visiting one of Montana’s thirty-five farmers’ markets, it isn’t too late to do so. Whether you stop by the larger markets in Missoula or Billings or pass through the rural communities of Twin Bridges, Glasgow, Stephensville or Glendive, you are in for a treat of sounds, colorful sights and smells and an enriching experience. To find out your closest market, log on to the AERO web site, a-e-r-o-m-t dot .org, to locate any of the thirty-five farmer’s markets around our great state. Or if you are interested in starting a farmers’ market in your community, call AERO for the handy guide on “Starting a Farmers Market in Montana.”

I am looking forward to visiting with you on Saturday’s at our Helena downtown farmers’ market and thank you for participating in this fun, rewarding adventure.

I’m Cindy Baril for the Alternative Energy Resources Organization. AERO welcomes your comments and perspectives. AERO is a grassroots membership organization working to help create farm, food, energy and growth solutions for communities throughout Montana. For more information about our programs call us in Helena at 406-443-7272.