Natural Entrepreneur: Fresh from the Farm

this is a layer

Home

About us

sponsored by:

Important:
Our Privacy Policy

Profile

Fresh from the Farm

NH Farmers' Markets

by Jack Potter, NH Farmers Markets Association

New Hampshire's farmers' markets foster a sense of community. They are re-energizing and re-invigorating cities and towns. On market days, people drawn to the markets also visit and buy from other community merchants, restaurants, etc. Markets provide a highly valued social event--people look forward to each market day. They bring farm and quality food consciousness into the minds and kitchens of thousands of people throughout out state.

Steve Taylor, NH Commissioner of Agriculture, said it well "A farmers' market is one of the things that was identified as a way to bring people downtown. They are viewed as fundamental to a community, like a good rec (recreation) program or a good library."

More than 300 NH vendors grow, harvest and sell a broad range of fresh produce, plants and flowers, baked goods and other food items at the markets. Also, most markets include the sale of fresh meat, eggs, honey and maple products as well as crafts having an agricultural connection such as wool products, goat soaps.

The 2004 New Hampshire farmers' market season is beginning. In 2001 there were 29 NH farmers' markets; as of May 2004, there are 52. We invite you to become acquainted with the market(s) in your area.

New Hampshire's Farmers' Market Week is August 1 to 7, 2004. The NH Farmers' Market Association (NHFMA) encourages all citizens in New Hampshire to shop local farmers' markets and celebrate the benefits of these markets.

Farmers' markets contribute significantly to the economy of their communities and their vendors. We estimate NH farmers' markets grossed over $800,000 in 2003. The WIC (Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Services) and Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition programs are significant benefactors of the 52 markets. The WIC program in 2003 redeemed over 98,000 coupons worth $196,004. In 2004, five markets will be participating in a UNH Cooperative Extension pilot project to redeem food stamp benefits, another great way to ensure NH citizens get farm-fresh produce. Those markets are: Nashua, Manchester, Sanbornton, Laconia and Enfield.

The New Hampshire Farmers' Market Association's mission is to educate the general public on the benefits of a healthy diet and lifestyle acquired through locally grown, fresh produce. We are dedicated to helping consumers understand the economic, social and ecological benefits of this lifestyle for themselves as well as for local farmers, growers and producers. The association seeks to educate local producers on best management practices and common operating procedures through a variety of means including workshops, seminars and multi-media. The NHFMA will work to provide the educational assistance; support and training that local producers need to provide healthy food in an ecologically sound manner. Through education and member participation, the NHFMA strengthens agriculture in NH.

In May of 2004, the NHFMA became a special committee within NH Stories, Inc, because both organizations missions are so similar--educating the public on the benefits of buying local NH products. [ed. See related article in this issue].

Please accept our invitation to visit a market near you, but don't wait until August, go to a market and bring home produce harvested that day. A listing of markets in the state can be found on the NHFMA web site at: http://nhfma.org/2004-NH-FM-List-htm.htm.

Jack Potter is president of the New Hampshire Farmers Market Association. He can be reached at info@nhfma.org.

Upcoming Events

Feb 21 (8-9:30a): NH Forum on the Future, NHHTC, CR Sparks, Bedford, NH

March 1 (6:30-8:30p): Women's Business Center and MicroCredit-NH Networking Event, Bank of America, Portsmouth, NH

March 6 (10a-noon): Growth Capital Resources in New Hampshire, City of Nashua, Office of Economic Development, Daniel Webster College, Nashua, NH

March 8: (12pm -1pm) Break the Rules and Close More Sales, Amoskeag Business Incubator, Manchester, NH

March 16: Peak Pitch (pitch your plan to invstors on the chairlift), Mt. Sunapee, NH ($)

March 22: Breaking Trends in Web Develoment, UVCIA, Hanover, NH ($)

View Ads