July 10, 2008

Reaping the benefits
NHFMA pres sees farmers’ markets as gathering places
By Susan Ware Flower news@hippopress.com

Kris Mossey is president of the New Hampshire Farmers’ Market Association (www.nhfma.org). She also owns McLeod Bros. Orchards in Milford and chairs the Milford Farmers’ Market (which is open from 9 a.m. to noon every Saturday through Columbus Day). She likes farmers’ markets not only for business and culinary reasons, but because they are, for farmers and shoppers alike, a “social outlet.”

Q:Farmers’ markets seem to be popping up everywhere. What gives?
It’s true. This year there are more than 60 farmers’ markets all across the state. This is up from only 29 in 2001. Farmers’ markets are important to our way of life.

Why are farmers’ markets so important to our way of life?
For several reasons. There are numerous economic, ecological and social impacts, never mind the health benefits. Oh, and the flavor. The USDA did a survey to find out why people shop at a farmers’ market and the number one reason was flavor. Hands down, you can’t beat the flavor of fresh-picked produce.

People are busy, so it isn’t easy adding the farmers’ market as a routine stop for shopping. What makes people do it?
We realize it isn’t always convenient. But we’ve seen attendance and sales boom at farmers’ markets because they are more than just a farm stand. There’s entertainment, local meats and cheeses, and it gives you a sense of community that you just don’t find a lot of these days.

On the flip side of that, what makes a grower or farmers want to pack up and hit the farmers’ markets?
We’ve found that most farmers … attend at least two markets each week. Many sell at one every day. It is a lot of work — we are often up at 6 a.m. picking — but it is beneficial to the farmers. It is a way for them to sell their goods and introduce people to their farms — very helpful if someone has a pick-your-own farm. Also, farmers, we work alone a lot. Going to the market is a social outlet, a chance to talk with people face to face about what we are passionate about. Face it, we do it for the love, not the money, but we still need to sell our products to pay our bills.

Farms in general seem to struggle. When a farm gets in trouble, it seems that developers are hovering, waiting to swoop in. Is it safe to say that by supporting your local farmers’ market, you can help stop sprawl?
Absolutely. Like I said, we need to sell our goods. There’s no sense in growing them if we can’t sell them. The wholesale business for farmers is tough, and so many have moved more to retail by selling directly to the consumer.

Another benefit would be that as a consumer you would know exactly where your food is coming from.
Exactly, especially today where there is one scare or concern after another. It is nice to know your farmer and the source of your food.

I imagine that the ecological benefits of the farmers’ market are great.
Yes. In addition to using less fuel for transportation, there is less packaging used and less resources used for refrigeration. Most often people bring their own canvas bags to the farmers’ market. People today are thinking about what is most ecological, and a farmers’ market fits right in with that.

Do you see any trends in regard to farmers’ markets?
In addition to the growth, which has been steady over the last 10 years, we are seeing a direct effect on small businesses. Farmers’ markets have truly become incubators for small business in the state. For example, producers of maple syrup, cheeses and meats are coming to market and introducing people to their products, often before they branch out their business. I believe farmers’ markets help people start businesses. Another way is through value-added products. A strawberry grower can sell not only sell strawberries at the farmers’ market, but jam. Someone who has goat milk can make cheese and have an outlet to sell.