4 Hopes for Obama's Farmers' Market
| Fri Aug. 21, 2009 9:38 AM PDT
You may have read yesterday that President Obama wants to set up a farmer's market at the White House. On first glance, this confirms my suspicions that President Obama is pretty damn cool. In his words:
One of the things that we’re trying to do now is to figure out, can we get a little farmers’ market outside of the White House... I’m not going to have all of you all just tromping around inside, but right outside the White House so that we can, and that is a win-win situation.
It gives suddenly D.C. more access to good, fresh food, but it also is this enormous potential revenue-maker for local farmers in the area. And those kinds of connections can be made all throughout the country, and has to be part of how we think about health.
But coolness aside, if this idea becomes reality, the Obamas should be careful to make it a sustainable market for local farmers rather than a kitschy tourist attraction bogged down by pins and t-shirts that say "Yes We Can Farm" and "Change We Can Grow In." But let's face it, due to the massive security detail the market would require and the overwhelming draw for Washingtonians and tourists alike, the latter is more likely. After all, markets that truly support local, organic farmers have become increasingly rare even as farmers' markets, both organic and kitschy, increased threefold between 1994 and 2008.
So taking the touristy factor as a given, how can Obama make the White House farmers' market most beneficial to farmers and consumers alike? I have four ideas:
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- Booths must provide free samples. And I'm not just talking about peaches. A farmers' market has got to be more than a place for people to buy produce. Consumers need to roam freely to get a feel for the lay of the land before making buying decisions. Free samples of bread, veggies, and hummus-type spreads make this possible.
- Don't try to sell me $8 eggs. Yes, it's important to buy products that come from humane farms. But some studies have even shown that cage-free eggs may not be "all they're cracked up to be." And you can find organic, humane eggs for a reasonable price.
- How about some hot meal options? After a good hour of farmers' market roaming, I tend to work up an appetite and a red pepper just doesn't cut it. But farmers' markets are often tempted to bring in chains so that they can charge higher booth fees. Including Chipotle or Panda Express is a quick way to destroy the market's legitimacy.
- And throw some live music in there for good measure. But President Obama, resist the urge to go for star power. I don't want to see Bono and Mary J. Blige headlining the main stage at your farmer's market. Like the vendors at the market, the live musicians should be locals.
The White House farmers' market could become a great national symbol for the importance of sustainable agriculture and community commerce. But the Obamas shouldn't overdo it in fear of appearing even more like arugula-chomping lefties. Just keep it simple, follow my four suggestions, and this will turn into a very cool project.
Comments
Mill City Farmer's Mkt - Minneapolis, MN
Submitted by swo (not verified) on Mon Aug. 24, 2009 9:47 AM PDT.
there are markets across the country that meet your four points.
maybe obama or his staff could visit them for ideas -
by working as a fishmonger at the Minneapolis Mill City Farmer's Market, i've come to realize that the networking benefits transcend merely the products sold at these places.
check out http://millcityfarmersmarket.org/ for more details, and def put it on your itinerary if you're planning a trip to the Twin Cities!
in response to your pricing concerns, most products are much cheaper at the market than at co-ops or grocery stores. however, there were $8 blueberries last week. life isn't perfect. it's good to know just how much you'd like to pay for your blubes.
So...
Submitted by Vines & Cattle (not verified) on Mon Aug. 24, 2009 11:43 AM PDT.
Let me get this straight. Obama having a garden and farmer's market is somehow supposed to make me feel better about having to register every head of livestock with the USDA, and adhering to various government regulations. Plus if I want to direct market I will have to get in line with the new food safety legislation coming down the pike.
Will the President's new market have to pay the new $500 permit fee for all food production entities (no matter how small) that was passed by the House?
Boo Hoo to Vines and cattle.
Submitted by Food Production Entity (not verified) on Wed Sep. 9, 2009 9:16 PM PDT.
Boo Hoo to Vines and cattle. Why wouldn't you have to register every head of livestock with the USDA?! Are you serious? Livestock farming has only lead to heart disease, cancer, obesity, MAD COW DISEASE, SWINE FLU, Contaminated meat, downer cows, tortured animals, cruelty, global warming.... YES you have to get in line with the new food safety legislation-what is your case? FOOD SAFETY So sad you should have to follow the rules. And those FOOD PRODUCTION ENTITIES NO MATTER HOW SMALL are LIVING CREATURES! You are incredible.
obama's video.
Submitted by TheWhoFarm (not verified) on Wed Aug. 26, 2009 7:50 AM PDT.
Check out more details, and the video of President Obama's remarks at http://www.TheWhoFarm.org/2009/08/20/obamas-new-idea-the-white-house-far...
Thank Michelle Obama for her incredible garden at http://www.TheWhoFarm.org/thanks
Surfers paradise
Submitted by Surfers paradise (not verified) on Wed Aug. 26, 2009 11:14 PM PDT.
Barack Obama cares about Brack Obama. The guy's a hack. The Democrats have orgasms over him, saying "O he's one of the 'rising young stars' of the party." Gimme a damn break. The guy is a dill weed, along with that other doo-bag.
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