Market Farming

["jay gee" <jgj23 AT mindspring.com>]

Alison wrote:

>I find the term "authentic" a little awkward too - but I do really like the
>focus.  I agree with the mileage - it would keep us from either of our 2
>urban markets in the state, should we want to sell to them.  I also think we
>need to hang together on this.  So, suggestions folks?!

I was going to keep my mouth shut on this one but
Alison's request for suggestions inspired me to reply.

I too am uncomfortable with the term "authentic food,"
but mostly from a marketer's perspective.  What is
needed is a growers association controlled term
which can be trademarked and licensed to prevent
its use by unauthorized, non-compliant farmers.

This was the problem with term "Organic."

Because no one controlled its use, the government
finally stepped in when agribusiness felt threatened
by the rising masses of "green farmers."

I suggest using an acronym such as, "Certified GFPM"
and explaining that Green Farming Production Methods
are ............ fill in the blanks with the negotiated rules
the farmers association decides on.

Once that is done, the public can be educated through
the various media and member farmers can promote
the benefits of their own Certified GFPM products.

Absent a controlled term, one farmer's definition will
differ from another's and the public and farmers will
all suffer from confusion.

Jay Gee
not a farmer -- but interested in farming