For market seven I joined Jaime Welch at the Broome County Regional Farmers Market for joint FMNP and Broome County Veterans Resiliency Project tabling. For market eight I provided solo education at the Freeville Farmers Market.
Joint tabling with the Veterans Resiliency Project yielded another very successful day of education. We distributed veteran market coupons to over 80 veterans! The ambience of the busy, urban Broome County Regional market heavily contrasted that of the Freeville market, which featured much less vendors and variety in goods.
Nonetheless, central themes regarding the foundational role of farmers markets can be highlighted uniquely at both markets.
At the Broome County Regional Market, market promotion of local commerce was made evident. Farmers markets enrich the economy of their communities, promoting centralized circulation of goods and capital. In turn, this ensures community needs are at the forefront during fund allocation. Supporting local farmers was noted as being the priority reason for shopping at farmers markets for many people I spoke to. Though there is competition between vendors, it is evident in their demeanor and the communal nature of the markets that it pales in comparison to the collective community mindset.
Vendors know that even if they don’t make a sale and their neighbor does, the money will eventually trickle back into the community, benefiting everyone in the long run. This safeguards the sustainability and viability of farmers markets, as there is a healthy balance of both competition and shared gain.
Alongside economic centralization, farmers markets identify and uplift local leaders, like Jaime.
The markets bring together community planners, vendors who have economic and agricultural stake in the land, and constituents ready to voice their opinion. At the Freeville market, I often overheard vendors discussing other community events, such as the Freeville Fiber Market or city council meetings. Many of the markets I’ve attended take place in Church or school parking lots, and most of the vendors hold a leadership position in their local communities. The markets serve as a focal point for action and planning.
The bountiful harvest represented at the markets is testament to the ecological benefits of farmers markets. By promoting small-scale, centralized agriculture, farmers enrich the land they farm, from carbon sequestration to soil conservation and more. Many farmers I spoke to pride themselves on their commitment to growing organic produce. I noticed they not only carry a deep agricultural understanding of the food they grow, but also cultural knowledge and emotional investment, all of which they weave into their community at markets.