Speaking of Farmer's Markets, when I played my harp at the market in Santa
Cruz a couple of months back, there were other musicians there too. I got
to thinking that there is a certain similarity in the "direct marketing"
approach of farmers and street musicians. Plus, there is a cultural
linkage between music and food, the idea of celebration.
Musicians and others: can you tell about how music is made a part of the
sustag movement in your area, at the farmers market or wherever?
Jeff Ishee wants to write a book about farm markets. If you'll tell your
stories, I might assemble them into a chapter for him about farm market
street music.
As noted before, I'm planning to be in Guelph October 20-23, for IFSA
conference. How about an ad-hoc convocation of agri-musicians??
John Lozier
harper for harmony
www.harpingforharmony.org
>> Release No. 0345.99
>>
>> Andrew Hatch (202) 720-8998
>> andrew.hatch@usda.gov
>> Billy A. Cox (202) 720-8998
>> billy.cox@usda.gov
>>
>>GLICKMAN ANNOUNCES NATIONAL FARMERS MARKET WEEK
>>
>> WASHINGTON, August 20, 1999--Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman today
>>proclaimed August 21-28 as National Farmers Market Week.
>>
>> "Farmers markets and roadside stands have always been a way for
>>Americans to stay in touch with our heritage and our roots," said Glickman.
>>"Today, farmers markets are also critical to the success of American
>>agriculture by allowing small farmers to sell their fresh produce directly
>>to
>>consumers. At USDA, we work hard to increase awareness among farmers and
>>consumers about the convenience and value of farmers markets."
>>
>> USDA works closely with state departments of agriculture encouraging
>>the
>>increased development of farmers markets to assist the small grower.
>>Particular emphasis is placed on minority farmers and providing access to
>>fresh fruits and vegetables to the urban, under-served consumer. One way
>>USDA
>>is accomplishing these goals is through the USDA-operated farmers market
>>which
>>is held weekly at department headquarters.
>>
>> USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service works with states to encourage
>>market growth, while the Food and Nutrition Service helps needy families
>>gain
>>access to healthy produce. Food stamp recipients can use their benefits at
>>most farmers markets, as can many participants in the Women, Infants, and
>>Children program.
>>
>> The number of farmers markets in the United States has grown
>>dramatically in recent years. USDA's 1998 farmers market directory lists
>>2,746 farmers markets, up from 2,410 in 1996 and 1,755 in 1994, when USDA
>>began collecting the data. Sales at farmers markets will total $1 billion
>>this year, with most of the money going directly to small family farmers.
>>
>> Information on farmers markets, including the National Directory of
>>Farmers Markets, can be obtained on the web at
>>www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets
>>or by calling 800-384-8704.
>>
>> #
>
>Linda Elswick
>Washington Representative
>Community Food Security Coalition
>
>
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