April 2005
FARMERS' MARKET TO OPEN IN PLYMOUTH
Looking for home-grown tomatoes? This summer you will be able to find them in downtown Plymouth, at the new Plymouth Farmers' Market. Located in the former G&G parking lot on East Garro Street, the market will be open from June into the early fall.
The market was one of those good ideas that emerged from several sources at about the same time, and resulted in the convening of a dedicated steering committee. With the encouragement of both the mayor and the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce, the committee met weekly to draw the broad outlines for the market, develop a mission statement, and generate rules for the market.
Designed as a collaborative effort among growers, community organizations, and city government, the market will give local growers new market opportunities, encourage sustainable agriculture practices, and especially, provide increased access to healthy, fresh produce for the local community. The committee expects the market to foster a friendlier, more united community, and contribute to a vibrant downtown.
Mrs. Helen Glaub, wife of Plymouth's former long-time mayor and owner of the G&G property, graciously agreed to allow the use of the parking lot for the market, and encouraged the committee in its development task.
In March, responding to a proposal from the steering committee, the Plymouth Chamber agreed to be the formal sponsor of the market, while a group of local organizations came on board as supporting members of the Advisory Council. (The Plymouth Market Advisory Council will take over the operations of the Market in April, when the Steering Committee completes its work.) Supporting organizations include: St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Marshall County Cooperative Extension, Earthworks, Marshall County Neighborhood Center, Marshall County Council on Aging, City of Plymouth. A number of growers will also be members of the Advisory Council.
A great deal of work remains to be done by the Advisory Council before the market opens this summer. The Council will be soliciting patrons to assist in funding the beginning operations of the market. Contributions may be financial or in-kind. Signage and the physical appearance of the market location are still to be determined. The Council will also plan events designed to enhance the community atmosphere of the market and draw residents to the downtown area to enjoy all that Plymouth downtown has to offer.
 The new Plymouth Farmers' Market joins a development trend taking place all across the country. As consumers become more aware of the importance of the sources of their food, and more concerned that their food be grown in an earth-friendly way, farmers' markets are responding to their concerns. Markets are springing up in towns and cities and neighborhoods, offering consumers healthy alternatives to produce that is grown on what have come to be called 'factory farms.' Large mono-cropped farms are generally reliant on significant chemical applications to protect their crops from disease and pests, and research has pointed to detrimental health effects from chemicals incorporated into produce. Farmers who grow for markets are more often families or individuals who are sensitive to the health of both the land and the consumer, and thus provide an alternative  for the consumer. As a matter of fact, most farmers' markets, including Plymouth's, enforce what is known as the 'no-buy' rule, prohibiting the vendor from selling produce from a wholesaler at the market. This rule helps to insure that produce sold at farmers' markets is truly farm-fresh.
Both the steering committee and the Farmers' Market Advisory Council look forward to the new and exciting service which will be provided by the Plymouth's Farmers' Market. |
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