Why did you become a Master Food Preserver?
I became a Master Food Preserver
mostly to make sure that I could save our food in the safest way
possible. My wife encouraged me to look into the Master Food
Preserver Certification after I realized the fun I have preserving
foods. She (Deanna, my wife), is a Certified Master Composter, and
directed me to the right place to begin the process, in this case it
is Washington State University Extension Services.
What was the process?
The process is really pretty simple;
I contacted the Extension office and signed-up, my application was
approved and I took a very intensive, hands-on course over two months
and received my Certification. http://clark.wsu.edu/
In exchange I give volunteer time
during the growing season to others via the Extension Hotline and our
own website.
How does this relate to your interest in farmers markets?
How does this relate to your interest in farmers markets?
My interest in Farmer's Markets
comes more from my early life, in that I loved going to 'Flea'
markets and such, and when Farmer's Markets began to flourish I just
kinda went right along with them. I grew to check-out any markets I
could back in my younger days, when I was doing a lot of touring
playing music.
Today, my interest in Farmer's
Markets is driven very much by the concept of 'Farm to Table to
Pantry' with our food. The food thats presented today in our stores
is most often harvested WAY before it should be, to allow for travel
of long distances, and many, many things are created and sold to us
that are Genetically Modified, and that's NOT good news for anybody
except the corporations controlling the bottom-line. As long as the
stockholders make a profit, to hell with the people, seems to be the
common thread.
Farmer's Markets fight this trend by
bringing the LOCAL farmer's products to the LOCAL consumer, and in so
doing the quality of the food is MUCH better, allergens are reduced
(we are eating foods from our own area, not across the world, we are
used to the local allergens), nutrients are higher in quantity and
quality, and you can learn from the Farmer/Rancher EXACTLY what went
in to creating the food you are about to enjoy.
What experience do you have,
professionally, with farmers markets?
I have worked in booths at Farmer's
Markets, selling on the Craft side (stained glass, many years ago),
and on the Farmer's side, most recently I spent last summer working
Farmer's Markets selling Organic Pork products and Organic Eggs. http://sweet-briar-farms.com/
I also have many year's of
experience performing music at Farmer's Markets, giving me yet
another take on how they work.
Today, I am Market Manager of Battle
Ground Village Outdoor Market in Battle Ground, Washington, and this
Market (which has been largely a Craft Market),will transition to a
Farmer's Market beginning this season (2014). http://www.bgvillage.com/#!outdoor_market/cjd6
ABSOLUTELY! As a matter of fact, now that you have me thinking about it, I see Farmer's Markets as one of the main tools we have to get people weaned away from the over-processed, GMO foods we are offered in the stores. Through the Markets we can not only bring fresh, healthy foods to the consumer, but we can also teach the consumer (remind them, really), what to do with the foods they have just gotten at the Markets. We (Markets) bring demonstrations, answers to questions, help in many ways, and it's ALL about creating and maintaining a healthy, sustainable food supply.
Tell us a little about the Food Ambassador program and how it relates to farmers markets.
The Food Ambassador Program (of which I am a Member), created by Chef Jamie Oliver, is primarily designed to help improve the quality of food served in our nation's schools. Within the framework of helping the schools, we refer to the Market's and the associated Farmers and Ranchers, to educate parents, students and school administration that LOCAL and HEALTHY are the best way to go when it comes to feeding our kids. https://www.jamieoliver.com/us/foundation/jamies-food-revolution/news-content/the-food-revolution-community-ambassador
When we can succeed in getting fresh
local foods into the schools, everyone benefits; the kids (eating
better), the school (providing better nutrition), the community
(local dollars spent seeding, growing, harvesting, distributing are
all kept local), it becomes a win-win for all involved.
Excellent interview. I'm impressed with you, my friends. =:0)
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