Healthy soil and sustainable growing

["TradingPostPaul" <tradingpost@riseup.net>]

That is a problem we see at our local markets. Barb keeps explaining to me
that people good at growing aren't necessarily good at marketing what they
grow. 

For our part, we do push our produce as naturally grown and hand out easy
recipes with some items. Our price signs clearly advertise locally grown
without chemicals. If we don't have five more lined up we engage in
conversation about growing and cooking. But talking philosophy doesn't
reach them unless we tie it to flavor, freshness, safety, and nutrition.
After all, they can pay half the price at the supermarket for tasteless
garbage. We tell them that we select only certain heirloom varieties for
flavor, and it's true. We pick tomatoes dead ripe and tell them so (don't
squeeze the Charmin!) These carrots were harvested three hours ago, only
what'll sell today. The golden beets have the crisp leaves still attached
so you know they're fresh. 

Talk it up, people!  If it's great eating, say so!  Give peas a chance!

Sell healthy! 
Sell local! 
Sell flavor! 

paul tradingpost@lobo.net

*********** REPLY SEPARATOR  ***********

On 11/18/2007 at 10:12 AM E. E. Mitchamore Jr wrote:

>Re: [Livingontheland] Farmers' Market DisappointmentI guess that's what I
>expected - a focus on farmers and their produce.  Although all of the
>booths did display a name, there was little "marketing" of their
>philosophy - no attempt to draw people in.  Has it matured enough that
>they have all the business they need?
>
>I didn't mention a small weekly seasonal market that I go to
>semi-regularly (it's "only" a half-hour away).  It is a friendly, homey
>place with lots of neighborly conversation.  Maybe that's what I expected,
>only larger.
>
>E. E. "Mitch" Mitchamore
>www.hillcountrynatives.biz
>  ----- Original Message ----- 
>  From: yarrow@sfo.com 
>  To: Healthy soil and sustainable growing 
>  Sent: Saturday, November 17, 2007 10:45 PM
>  Subject: Re: [Livingontheland] Farmers' Market Disappointment
>SNIIP