Sierra Vista Farmers Market Vendor Update for 11-18-2021 – –

A day In the Life Of – The Sierra Vista Farmers’ Market

By Uncle Ralph (Ralph Wildermuth) 17 November 2021

Tomorrow the Farmers’ Market opens at 10 AM and closes at 2 PM. The market will be closed for Thanksgiving Day.

Now let’s continue the journey about why you should be shopping at the Farmers’ Market.

The impact that farmers’ markets have on local communities was recognized in 1999 when the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) proclaimed the first week in August as “National Farmers’ Market Week”.

In the last few articles, we talked about the history of farmers markets and a brief exposure to supply and demand, but I wanted to show how the ongoing history of farmers’ markets is now impacting the food supply chain and the building of communities in its course.

A study done in 2016 shows that while there are several good reasons to shop at a farmers’ market, only about 12% of Americans do. Most Americans, 85%, shop at supermarkets and grocery stores, but they also frequent many other outlets as well. Of the 85%, 55% grocery shop at supercenters such as Walmart. As we all known, many food items that these outlets stock are imported and as we can see the supply chain of imported items is slowly grinding to a halt. I expect we will see that 12% number increase drastically in the coming months.

A somewhat dated study (2012) by the USDA stated that there were 163,675 farms, 7.8% of all US farms, that marketed foods to the local community. Of the 7.8%, 80%, a little over 130,000 of these farms sold directly to consumers through farmers’ markets or Community Supported Agri­culture arrangements. Eighty five percent of these farms had less than $75,000 dollars in yearly sales.

The USDA says that there are around 9,000 registered farmers’ markets in the US. That is about a 180% percent increase since 2006. It must be noted that not every farmers’ market is registered with the USDA; there are probably several thousand more that are not registered.

Let’s look at a few of the benefits of shopping at the Farmers’ Market here in town.

Farmers’ markets are more seasonally oriented in that they rely on what produce is currently in season. Big chain suppliers of groceries, can maximize their resources to acquire out-of-season produce from areas where it is in season, but that isn’t sustainable and ultimately contributes to loss of freshness and nutritional value, and increased price. Local seasonal produce and fruits therefore contain higher densities of nutrients, and are therefore healthier than the fruits and vegetables imported from other areas.

For those of you concerned about the cost difference of produce at supermarkets compared to local farmers markets, a 2014 UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) study says that farmers’ market prices are competitive with regular supermarket prices. Cindy Fake, UCCE farm advisor in Placer and Nevada counties of Colorado, said, “Produce at the farmers market is sold the same day or the day after it is harvested. Because of that, its shelf life is two to three times longer than what is found in the supermarket. And because it is so fresh, you have a higher nutrient content and it will taste better.”

Aside from freshness and nutrition, farmers markets foster interactions among people of different race, class, age, and lifestyle. A comparison of shoppers at farmers markets and supermarkets shows that people shop in the company of others more frequently at farmers markets and have more social encounters. In fact, 28% of the shoppers surveyed said that one of the farmers’ market greatest benefits to the community is that it “Brings people together” providing for unity in the face of division. This healthy and social interaction implies, that the social opportunities markets create provide important public health care benefits.

Three out of every four farmers selling at farmers markets say they use practices consistent with organic standards. Organic farming is all about creating food the natural way. 69% of the farmers at a market sell vegetables, 53% sell livestock, poultry or eggs, 47% sell fruits and tree nuts, and 31% sellers value–‐added products. Additionally, farmers’ markets provide one of the only low-barrier entry points for beginning farmers, allowing them to start small, test the market, and grow their businesses.

According to the USDA, farmers and ranchers that sell commercially only receive 15.6 cents of every dollar that consumers spend on food in the United States due to processing, supply chain, and marketing costs. Farmers who only sell direct to consumer at the farmers’ market keep 90 cents of each dollar made. When you shop at a farmers’ market you are contributing to preserving America’s rural livelihoods and farmland.

Shopping at a farmers’ market provides the consumer a chance to interact with the farmers. The farm vendors educate their shoppers. Four out of five farmers selling at markets discuss farming practices with their customers, and three in five discuss nutrition and how to prepare food.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made it abundantly clear that “local food systems with short supply chains are resilient and dependable in making food available to their communities and that the outdoor environments are often safer than alternative indoor retailers”. Our market additionally, allows you to get involved as an artisan, selling items like soap, candles, jewelry, pottery, and more.

According to studies performed, a majority of shoppers feel that their farmers’ market increases their connection to the community, 53% believed the market improved perceptions of their neighborhood, and a staggering 99% believed the market improved the health of their community. Not only do patrons shop for farm fresh food, but they also engage in conversation, meet neighbors for lunch, and enjoy the festive atmosphere with family and friends. Research indicates people thrive and are naturally happier when socially connected.

Farmers’ markets could not exist without the mutually beneficial relationship of the farmers and producers and you, the customer. Farmers engage in sustainable practices and producers buy locally sourced ingredients to help sustain the economy. They produce healthy food and products to help sustain the local community. The local community – you – provides the money necessary to sustain the farmers and producers and in return the farmers spend that money in the neighborhood to sustain their farm. It’s a win-win relationship worthy of a big celebration!

Farmers markets are, and probably always have been, essential. They provide the means to keep money flowing in local economies by providing shoppers with an opportunity to buy directly from small, local business and independent farmers and vendors, many of whom practice sustainable farming methods that protect our planet’s water, soil, and air. The market also increases access to fresh, nutritious food, particularly in communities where there are empty shelves in grocery stores and other food retail outlets, and are a place where friends, family, and neighbors can come to visit with one another, learn about food and agriculture, or just relax and have fun.

As challenging as it is, farmers markets provide a necessary sense of unity and stability at a time we need it most.
How do I see the future for Farmer Markets?

Well, newspapers and magazines are full of articles and reports about the high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and early death. You have heard the media’s challenges to just control portion sizes and to not eat everything put on our plates. Along with the nutrition claims comes the food supply going down and the demand on the rise, causing the price of food to rise with it. This means more people will turn to food banks. The rising food prices also make it just that much more expensive to fill the shelves of the food banks.

You may not be aware that one in seven people in the US struggle to put food on the table much less worry about over-eating. Rural households, in particular seem to be hit especially hard by hunger – 23.6% of rural households with children were deemed food-insecure in 2014. Counties in the US labeled as non-metro or rural account for 51.5% of all “High Food-Insecurity Rate Counties.” A trend, which we here at our market embrace is to provide a viable solution to providing food-insecure families with fresh fruits and vegetables through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Due to this and other factors, 52% more SNAP households’ shop at farmers markets or from direct marketing farmers today than in 2011.

With the customer change in view to a fresher more nutritious meal for their families, I believe farmers’ markets are here to stay. The more food supply chain problems keep the shelves in the local grocery stores empty, the more people will turn to a more sustainable and local supply to put food on the table. Technology, both in products and investments will help farmers markets to grow through the use of new techniques in organic farming.

As we have seen in the last couple of years our farmers’ market has made the community more resilient during catastrophic events. Not only that but, our Market provides a more leisurely shopping and learning experience, and the produce is often better quality.

We have to remember that the longer fruits and vegetables take to get to the store and then sit on the shelf, the loss of key nutrients and antioxidants reduce the value of the item. Our farmers pick their product either the night before or the day of the Market.

So, the next time you visit us, look past the tomatoes and cucumbers. You’ll see an organization that’s promoting health and wellness, contributing to the local economy and bringing people together.

As always, SNAP vouchers can be used at some of the vendors booths. And Double Up tokens are used in exchange for fresh fruits and vegetables grown in Arizona. You can use your EBT card at the info booth for SNAP vouchers and Double UP tokens (unlimited amount right now).

We are looking forward to seeing you all at this coming week’s Market. For more information on all our vendors and the products they will be bringing, please see this week’s Farmers’ Market newsletter at www.sierravistafarmersmarkets.com.  Also, check out our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/sierravistafarmersmarket/.

Vendor Updates
Please see the vendor listings below with updated vendor information and the products they will be bringing.  Please keep in mind the social distancing while you shop at the market.

Market Hours: Thursdays from 10 am to 2 pm at Veteran’s Memorial Park.

SNAP and Double UP food bucks available at the info booth.       The terminal is working again!!!

NOTE: Pick up free Herald Review newspaper at the info booth.

Music Entertainment: Simmons Family Band

This week:  Zarpara Vineyards

The market will be closed for Thanksgiving Day.

We wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving.

BASA is a volunteer board non-profit with a mission: “to promote local, sustainable food production, marketing and education in southern Arizona.

Webpage: http://basamesquite.org/
Webblog: http://bajaaz.blogspot.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/125627894978189
Email: brownchristie1@gmail.com

Updated Vendor Listing & Contact Information

– – Vendor Grown – –
Agricultural and Produce Vendors with the – – Vendor Grown – – seal are known to grow at least 85% of the products they sell.
– – Vendor Brokered – –
Agricultural and Produce Vendors with the – – Vendor Brokered – – seal do not grow a majority of the produce they sell and are known to purchase  a majority of their products from third parties.

Produce & Plant Vendors

Allred Family Fungi – – Vendor Grown –
Oyster mushrooms and other varieties.

Awareness Ranch–Vendor Grown
Bali will be back during the winter season.
Local produce (mint, basil, cucumbers, spinach, lettuce, bok choy) from Tucson area

Backyard Gardening & Growing  – – Vendor Grown –
Onions- Red, white, and yellow. Beefsteak tomatoes & cherry tomatoes. Gala, Grannie Smith, and Pixie crunch apples.

Beatty’s Orchard – – Vendor Grown –

Ida red apples, Chieftain, and Bert’s Special apples this week!
For more information please visit one of their links: Website
520-378-2728 or 520-678-9443

Beatriz’ Dates

Dates from Mesa, Arizona

Cazador Ranch

Donna Henricks aka Lettuce Man’s Daughter

Lettuce mix, chard, kale, parsley

Echoing Hope Ranch – – Vendor Grown –
Variety of greens and herbs from their green house.
Kale, radishes, lettuce and more.

Horton’s Farm  – – Vendor Grown –

Mark and Jessica will be back soon.
Cucumbers, Garlic, onions, Eggplant, chilies, patty pan squash, lettuce mix, radish, zucchini, tatsoi, red Russian kale, and beets.
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook

Just A Pinch – – Vendor Grown –
Michael will be back in the spring of 2022.
(520-234-3254), email (justapinchllc@yahoo.com),

SAS-Z Nuts – – Vendor Grown –
Locally Grown Pistachios
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook

Sivonn’s Garden – – Vendor Grown –
Fresh Seasonal Garden Produce such as mushrooms, salad mix, collards.

Tawin’s Gardens and Crafts – – Vendor Grown –

Seasonal Garden Plants

Triple J & R – – Vendor Grown –

Ralph and the children will NOT be at the market this week.
“We are a family providing homegrown microgreens and sprouts. We carry a varied selection of microgreens and sprouts grown hydroponically on food safe screens using only pH balanced water and food grade nutrients for microgreen growth. If you don’t see one you like just let us know and we will grow it for you. Email us at triplej&r@arizonaremountstation.net or give us a call at (520) 266-2479. Our Website is arizonaremountstation.net.”

Meat, Milk, Egg & Honey Vendors

Emu Enterprise – – Vendor Grown –

With sadness we let you know that Roger Taber passed away this summer.

Golden Rule Dairy – – Vendor Grown – –
NEW: Raw butter and Ghee.
Golden Rule Dairy Special: Their very own chicken eggs!
Fresh Raw Milk, Cream, and Dairy Products and their yummy granola.
Golden Rule Dairy Special eggs will be available in July and August.
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, Facebook
Instagram-  golden_rule_dairy
goldenruledairy@gmail.com
www.goldenruledairy.com
520-210-2857

L&B Farm
Burt will be at the market on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th , and 5th Thursday of every month.
Frozen chicken and lamb, fresh eggs

Papa Mike‘s Jerky 
Locally Made Jerky
For more information please visit one of their links: Website Facebook

Rocky Creek Ranch
Duck, chicken, and quail eggs

San Ysidro Farm – – Vendor Grown – -,
Michael will set up for turkey sales on November 4 and November 18.
Jackie will be at the market (every first Thursday) with beef, lamb, pork, chicken, turkey and frozen pasties.
email jackie.syf@gmail.com
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, Facebook

Sky Island/47 Ranch – – Vendor Grown – –

– Locally Raised Range fed Criollo Beef, and Navajo Churro Lamb.
All natural, no hormones, no antibiotics, and no grain feeding.
– Wild caught sockeye salmon from Naknek Fisheries, Bristol Bay, Alaska.
– Apple or Mesquite smoked bacon from Willcox Packing House (uncured bacon, nitrite, and nitrate free), pork chorizo, and pork sausage.
– Homemade Cowboy Style Peanut butter (made with slightly-roasted organic peanuts, no salt or sugar added).

YouTube Channel (Ranching in the Right Hemisphere): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrfx3NWeUSGZ7KOnV8XL4tQ

For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook and YouTube
520-507-5203
crossu@vtc.net

Simmons Honey Ranchito 

Our many varieties of local honey will be available in one pound jars up to one gallon jugs.
520-364-2745, no text, no call id
520-368-2039 text welcome
simmonshoney1@powerc.net

Whitecane Sockeye Salmon

Alaskan caught sockeye salmon, king salmon, halibut, ling code, shrimp, snowcrab, Bairdi crab, Dungenese crab

Baked Goods & Snack Vendors

Designs by Copper Canyon
New: Gluten-free breads.
Delicious truffles and sweet & savory breads.
Home decor items.
coppercanyonind@gmail.com

Ginny’s Eclectic Kitchen
Crumb coffee cake, oatmeal sandwich cookies, sourdough, and another fun bread.
Instagram is @ginnyseclectickitchen

Incredible Snacks
An Incredible Variety of Snacks
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook

Katerina’s-It’s Original Greek
Fresh Made Greek Baked Goods and Prepared Food
New: Artisan Greek breads.

McDonald Farm
Baked goods such as cinnamon rolls, pies, and nut bars. Fresh eggs, pecans, beans (black, pinto, 9-bean mix), chicken and duck eggs.
SAS-Z-Nuts pistachios
Leave a message for Dona 520-220-3000

Mystic Eatz
Baked goods such as quick breads, cinnamon roll muffins, and seasonal pies.

Steph’s Sweets Bakery
Stephanie will NOT be at the market.
Granola, cookies, muffins (all vegan)
Desert Bloom Photography &  Ray’s Leatherworks 520-368-2454

Sweet Arizona
Locally made Toffee, Brittle, & Fudge
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, Facebook
www.sweetarizona.org
520-312-5351

Sweets By Shelly
Cake pops in a wide variety of flavors, almost too pretty to eat, but oh so yummy.
Toffee and pretzels.
308-708-1680 for special or custom orders.

Wild Arizona Gardens
The bread selection will include na’an, green chili and cheddar bread, 5 seed bread, honey oat bread and rye bread. Also on the menu will be apple pie and strawberry rhubarb crisp. If you would like to have some held for you, please text 520-508-2494.

Personal Health & Household Vendors

Ancestral Herbals (Arizona Soap Company)

www.ArizonaSoapCompany.com
Hand made soap, lotion, balm, muscle rub, etc.
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, Facebook

Chloe’s Creations
Handmade soap.

Desert Oasis Soap
Greg will NOT be at the market this week.
Home made Soaps
For more information please visit one of their links:Website, Facebook
desertoasissoap@outlook.com
520-822-5330
desertoasissoaps.com

Nature’s Premium Skin Care
Aloe Vera miracle cream

Prepared Foods & Beverage Vendors

Ascendare-Bean to Bar Chocolate
Handcrafted chocolate

Big Woody’s
Travis will NOT be at the market this week.
Hot Dogs, Mac & Cheese, BBQ, and Pulled Pork
For more information & their menu please visit one of their links: Facebook

Bombshell Sweets
Variety of cotton candy and new hot cocoa mix and hot cocoa by the cup.

Café Cultiva
Fresh Coffee and Hot Beverages
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, Facebook
774-316-2328

Cliff’s Salsa
Cliff will be back soon.
Pickles, and jalapenos and salsa

Esperanza
Pre-order tamales by calling 520-954-7782
New: Pasties
Fresh made Tortillas, Tamales, Baked Goods
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, Facebook
Esperanza will ship orders.

Crazy Coyote Concessions
Kettle Corn and Smoothies
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook
520-904-2327
kettlekornaz@gmail.com

Mi Burrito
Burritos from the grill with fresh salsa for lunch.

Lazy KJ Ranch
Locally Grown Organic Pork for lunch specials.
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook

Lasagna and More
Complete line of Take-n-Bakes, sauces, Chef Burritos, SW Spice Blend
For more information please visit one of their links: Website, Facebook

Mulcogi

Spices and herb mixes.

Queen Ceviche

Feliz will NOT be at the market this week.
Fresh Made Salsa, Ceviche, Hand Sanitizer, and  hibiscus syrup.
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook
520-904-4715

Sippin
Specialty soda drinks

Zumi Juice
Come quench your thirst with a delicious, fresh, raw, cold juice made to order at our bright orange tent.  All of our juices are made from fruit to cup with no additives, just pure goodness.  Fresh Limeade is always served.

Pet Food & Product Vendors

Maggie’s Dog Treats & Accessories
All Natural Pet Snacks and Treats
For more information please visit one of their links:
480-488-1053
ziabischoff@gmail.com

Services

Hone Ranger

Scott wants to let you know: “I’m back in a replacement vehicle with new equipment for onsite sharpening on most items and I wish to thank all those who helped, and some that still are, with my rebuild!
I am indebted to the wonderful patrons at the market, and the market itself for the opportunity to be involved w/ all of it.

Lindsay

Handmade fitted masks.
520-546-1058
meyerwill@cox.net

In Stitches
Variety of face masks,  fabric multi-use bowls and bags.

 
Artisan Vendors (are back)

Greenstone Pottery & Crafts
Hand Made Pottery, Jewelry, & Crafts
For more information please visit one of their links: Facebook
520-537-4859
courage.4life4u@gmail.com
530-539-4859
greenstone.collection@gmail.com

Bernie & Bill Medley
Paintings, Custom Frames and Woodwork
Every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month.
For more information please visit one of their links:

Sierra Vista Gems
New batch of blue oak and mesquite pens.
Cheri’s front license plates.

Artisan Vendors (once a month)

Banner Trading & Sporting Goods

Handcrafted jewelry and cut antlers for dog chews

Chalia’s Craft

•Crochet earrings

•Crochet & Macramé Plant Hangers

•Crochet bags and baskets

•Wall Decor

•Pillow Shams (seasonal item)

•Throw Blankets (seasonal item)

Shop: chaliascraft.Etsy.com

Instagram: @chalias_craft

Doug Merrill

Handmade wooden boxes, tables, coat racks, benches, and wind chimes.

Ignite Iron
wrought iron metal art work

Jim Williams
Wood works such as Lazy Susans, checker boards, and unique writing utensils

Rita Obenauf’s Windchimes
Every 1st Thursday when the weather cools again.
Up-cycle bottle wind chimes
909-957-0368
Insta-gram Lifeabove100

New artisans for November and December

Anna’s Gifts
Buena High School artisans
Leta’s Gallery
Vagabond
Crafts by Kate
Overspray
Godard-woodworkings

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