Health & Fitness
Farmers Market Legislation Proposal in St. Louis County
Farmers Markets are no longer a group of produce farmers parked together and selling their farm fresh products off the back of their pickup trucks. They are more, much more.
On June 28, 2001 at 4:45 p.m. at the St. Louis County Council at 41 S. Central Ave. in Clayton, a special hearing has been scheduled to put forth the proposal of legislation for a Farmers' Market Food Establishment/Facility Bill. This is a good thing. This proposal has the support of St. Louis farmers’ market managers, farmers, and other food vendors participating in farmers’ markets.
Farmers' markets have grown up in recent years and now offer everything from seasonal, locally-grown farm produce, meats and eggs to hand-crafted artisan cheeses, breads, desserts and chocolates. They have become neighborhood destinations filled with children's activities, community service information, great local music, and foods like BBQ, omelets, fresh squeezed lemonades and other tasty treats prepared on-site and ready to eat.
Well, just as when children grow up and they have more responsibilities and rules to follow, the same is true of farmers' markets. In St. Louis County and other counties throughout the country, new "grown-up" rules and expectations are being applied to farmers' markets in the areas of health permits, food safety inspections, municipal zoning and business licenses.
However, most counties and cities, also like St. Louis, have cobbled together farmers' markets guidelines based on other food related, two-day to two-week events like state fairs and art festivals. Farmers' market managers, vendors and municipal governments have discovered that it does not work to apply these same rules to the operation protocols of a farmers’ market. Safety and sanitation guidelines--yes, but not permit fees, business licenses and the like. It's just not working.
Farmers' markets are business incubators for small food service businesses and sometimes the only avenues for farmers to get their products to the consumer. As such they need fair and reasonable policies set to address and support the unique, seasonal, yet on-going economic needs of a farmers' market, while preserving and promoting best practices in food safety and sanitation.
Do you enjoy sampling fresh baked bread, hand-crafted chocolates, or other delicious foods at the market? Do you want the kettle corn or ice cream folks to come back? How about chef demonstrations and wine tastings? Would you like these to be regulars at the market? Do you wonder why market fresh, made-to-order omelets are no longer available at some markets or why your favorite farmer may be limiting his participation in multiple markets?
If you answered yes, then you are a fan of farmers’ markets in St. Louis County and I urge you to attend the meeting on June 28 and show your support. Also stop by the Clayton Farmers Market this Saturday, June 25 between 8:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m. and have a fun morning shopping, meeting the farmers, playing, eating and listening to the music. Here's what's happening this week
THE HILLS ARE ALIVE AND THE TOMATOES ARE RIPE!
FEATURING STONE HILL WINERY This historic Missouri winery brings its award-winning wines to the market! Taste a little then buy a bottle. It also has delicious sparkling juice.
SWING MUSIC 10:00 a.m.—noon Wack-a-doo brings their lively mix of toe-tapping vintage swing, folksy Americana and speakeasy syncopation. They are sure to brighten your day!
CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY 9:00 a.m.—noon Art Mart will show kids how to make their very own Model Magic Monster out of fun, easy-to-use clay!
SPECIAL INTEREST Missouri Department of Conservation Ranger, Dan Zarlenga, is our visiting expert on Missouri nature and wildlife. Discover fun activities and information, some of it in your own backyard!
FRESH FROM THE FARM THIS WEEK The tomatoes are red, ripe and juicy! Raspberries, new potatoes, summer squash, zucchini, cucumbers, sugar beets, sugar snap peas, sunflower sprouts, wheat grass, mint, garlic, onions, scallions, cabbage, kale, lettuce, radishes, baby arugula and mixed salad greens.
Beautiful plants and flowers for gardens, grass-fed beef, award-winning goat cheese, fresh farm eggs, desserts, local honey, fresh pasta, baked goods.
DINE AT THE MARKET Straub’s smoked BBQ, Cha Cha Chow Latin food, fresh-squeezed juices, Northwest Coffee Roasting, delicious desserts.
FINE ARTS AND CRAFTS Beautiful, hand-crafted works of useable art!
FOR ON-GOING INFO Visit www.claytonfarmersmarket.com or call 314-913-6632.