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Weekly Market Notes Library

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Weekly Market Notes for May 11, 2006

Hello Market Friends:

I must say that living in this neighbourhood feels very good after my trip to Los Angeles! The trip was most worthwhile, though. Partners from 11 different market projects were there, and the combined expertise of the people in the room was fabulous for junior players like me to learn from. Every project has interesting aspects and challenges. Here are just a couple of examples:

The New Mexico Native American Farmers' Market Association hopes to build links between 22 diverse Pueblo Indian and Tribal Nations. One story from this area: farmers driving 5 hours to market and selling out in 45 minutes because there are no grocery stores for 70 miles.

In Mississippi and New Orleans, the markets were all pretty much wiped out when Katrina hit, leaving organizers scrambling to work not only with those communities, but also with the many farmers from farther inland who suddenly had nowhere to sell their crops. Now, some of the coastal communities are being completely redesigned. In some, strip mall towns are being replaced with a much older-new plan: towns built around their farmers' markets. In New Orleans, as the markets re-open, it's not just about food. The markets are playing a role in making many services available again, whether that's key-cutting, health testing, or anything in between.

Lots to tell, but now, back to Dufferin Grove for this week:

From Greenfields:

Hello Toronto! The Greenfields gang has been busy this week and we have a great deal of local produce for your taste buds to enjoy. Let’s start with Greenfields’ and other local items. LOCAL: Asparagus, Chives, Sunchokes, Beets, Baby Bokchoy, Cilantro, Spring Mix, Shiitake Mushrooms and Watercress. We also have Golden Delicious Apples, Red Delicious Apples, Avocados, Bananas, Grapefruit, Kiwi, Lemons, Mango, Oranges, Anjou Pears, Strawberries, Broccoli, Green Cabbage, Red Cabbage, Celery, Red Chard, Cucumbers, Garlic, Ginger, Green Kale, Red Leaf Lettuce, Romaine, Cauliflower, Red & Yellow Onions, Parsley, Sugar Snap Peas, Red Pepper, Radish, Spinach, Yams and Zucchini. That’s about all we can fit in our cooler. Looking forward to seeing you all on Thursday.

Kaidy & the Greenfields Team

From Angelos:

As dedicated environmentalists, we re-cycle as much as possible. Please ask customers if they have empty egg boxes at home, instead of putting them out for the city re-cycling, bring them to me at the market. I will then use these boxes to bring my eggs to the market. My customers have been buying eggs but not returning empty boxes, so if I don't start getting empty re-cycable boxes, soon I will have to bring the eggs in my pockets, hence pre-scrambled eggs for everyone!! As for the weather, who knows, if we are able to set up outside, I will have a great selection of herbs, heirloom tomato plants, and wave petunias. However, should we be rained out, I will be inside with just my normal line of olives, olive oil and cheeses.

From Berettas:

This week for the market, I will bring a selection of products that I will be offering at a 50 % discount. Beretta Organic Farms did a Customer Appreciation in the fall and would like to show our appreciation again for the continuous support of all our customers.

"A special celebration for the beginning of the busy Outdoor Season."

I will have great products for Mother's Day get togethers and also for the long weekend coming up.

Thank you and see everyone at the market, Mary Lou

From Jonathan Forbes:

I'll have lots of fresh organic maple syrup in small, medium and large sizes plus a few fiddleheads and a few wild leeks (although they are still a bit small). More of both next week. No rain so no mushrooms.

All this and lots more, rain(good, good rain)or shine.

See you at the market!

Anne

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