Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound green garlic
• 1/2 tsp. salt, plus more to taste
• 1 bunch Italian flat-leaf parsley
• 1/4 cup pistachios
• 1/4 cup plus 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup freshly shredded Pecorino cheese or other hard, flavorful grating cheese

Preparation:

• Trim and discard root ends of green garlic. Finely chop green garlic, rinse thoroughly and pat or spin dry.
• In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, heat 1 Tbsp. olive oil, green garlic, and 1/2 tsp. salt until soft, about 3 minutes. Let cool to warm room temperature.
• In a blender or food processor, pulse pistachios to chop. Set aside. Add green garlic and parsley and process, scraping down sides as necessary, until bright green and smooth. With motor running, drizzle in olive oil. Pulse in reserved nuts and cheese. Taste and add more salt if you like.

Makes enough Green Garlic Pesto to coat 1 pound linguine.

A beautiful pink-hued topping for desserts, ice cream, yogurt or toast.

Ingredients:

•     2 eggs
•     1/3 cup sugar
•     1 Tbsp blood orange zest (from 1 orange)
•     8 Tbsp blood orange juice (from about 2 oranges)
•     Pinch of salt
•     1/2 cup chilled unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces

Instructions:

• Whisk the zest, juices, sugar, and eggs in a bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water. Add butter and whisk constantly, until thickened and smooth (a thermometer should read 165-170F).
• Strain curd through a fine sieve set over another bowl. Serve warm or cover surface of curd with wax paper and cool completely.
• Curd will keep 7-10 days in the fridge covered.

Yields: 1 1/2 cups (or 12 2-Tbsp servings)

This wonderful spring combination comes from new AIM member The Farmer’s Wife

Ingredients:

• Mixed Greens
• Sliced Strawberries
• Thinly Sliced Raw Asparagus (w/ mandolin preferably)
• Pecans
• The Farmer’s Wife Organic Apple Cider Balsamic
• Point Reyes Blue Vinaigrette
• Salt & Pepper

Directions:

• Prepare Market Produce in Large Bowl
• Pan Roast Pecans over Med/High Heat until toasted
• Combine The Farmer’s Wife Apple Cider Balsamic Vinaigrette and Point Reyes Blue Cheese, whisk together
• Dress to taste
• Add pinch of salt & generous pepper
• Toss, Serve & Enjoy!

Monday, April 8, 2013
8:00am – 5:00pm
NatureBridge Conference Center
Fort Cronkhite, Sausalito

View Full Conference Brochure

___________________________

8:00-8:30AM: 

• Breakfast & Registration

8:30-9:00AM:

• Welcome
• Farm Bill Update with Congressman Huffman

9:00-9:30AM:

• Keynote Address

9:45-11:00AM:

• Best Practices in Sustainable Pest Management and Land Stewardship
• Creating a Sustainable Business Plan
• Cultivating Success

11:15-12:30PM:

• Selling Beyond the Farmers Market: Restaurants, Stores, Schools, and Institutions
• What’s New and Who’s Who at the Markets: A Conversation with Your Market Managers
• Your Identity and Brand: Going Beyond the Logo

12:30-1:30PM:

• Lunch

1:45-3:00PM:

• Developing an Easy Food Safety Plan
• Securing Financing for Business Growth
• Social Media Basics: Facebook, Twitter, and More!

3:00-3:30PM:

• Coffee, Chocolate, and Policy Update
• Pavilion Update

3:45-5:00PM:

• Diversifying Your Business: Creating Sustainability and Broadening Your Appeal
• Market Rules & Regs: The Game Show

5:00-6:30PM:

• Reception featuring local wine, beer, cheese and music!

1. Document 1
2. Document 2
3. Document 3

CONNECT WITH COMMUNITY AND FARMERS AT THE HAYWARD FARMERS MARKET
Hayward, CA – January 12, 2012 – Early Saturday morning before many of us are awake, the area surrounding Hayward’s City Hall plaza is transformed into the bustling and colorful Hayward Farmers Market.

With over 35 farmers and specialty food purveyors (up to 55 vendors in peak season), this market is the place for the local Hayward community to get their fill of fresh, healthy, locally grown fruits and vegetables and locally produced foods. The diversity of the market reflects the diversity of the local eaters. The market also features gourmet specialties, fresh fish and fresh cut flowers, local artisans, live music each week, and activities for kids.

The Hayward Farmers Market is operated by the non-profit Agricultural Institute of Marin (AIM), which runs 8 farmers markets in the Bay Area. AIM’s mission is to educate the public about the nutritional and economic benefits of buying locally grown food directly from farmers, and to connect and support communities and agriculture. With so many loyal farmers and customers, the Hayward Farmers Market has developed its own sense of community over the years, achieving one of the primary goals of AIM.
“The variety of fresh produce that is available to us – even in the middle of winter – is amazing”, says market manager Kari Zabel. “There are many different kinds of fresh citrus fruits this time of year, in addition to the variety of winter greens, root vegetables, lettuces, herbs, and more”.

As part of the organization’s efforts to improve access to fresh healthy food for all, CalFresh food stamps are accepted at all of AIM’s Bay Area markets, including the Hayward Farmers Market. Recipients swipe their EBT cards at the information booth in exchange for tokens which can be used throughout the market. WIC (Women, Infant, and Children) checks are accepted by many of the market’s farmers as well.

Some of the market’s newest additions include Achadinha Cheese Company with their variety of delicious award-winning goat cheeses; and Tofu Yu, an artisan soy beanery which makes an assortment of delicious and nutritious tofu products.

Come explore the sights, sounds and tastes of the market, visit with friends and neighbors, and meet the farmers who grow your food at the Hayward Farmers Market. The Hayward Farmers Market takes place year-round at the Hayward City Hall Plaza, located at 777 B Street, Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.

APRIL, 2012

AGRICULTURAL INSTITUTE OF MARIN EXPANDS MARKET MATCH PROGRAM TO OFFER
DOUBLE VALUE FOR FOOD STAMPS AT GRAND LAKE – OAKLAND, HAYWARD, AND NEWARK FARMERS MARKET

SAN RAFAEL, CA, April 16, 2012 – The is no surprise that with the current economic downturn an increasing number of Alameda County residents are finding it difficult to feed their families. Some of these individuals and families find relief through CalFresh, the federally funded food stamp program known nationally as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In September 2011 67,330 people in Alameda County were enrolled in CalFresh. This represents a 74% increase since September 2006 (as reported by California Food Policy Advocates).

As a partner in promoting healthy and local food consumption throughout the Bay Area, Agricultural Institute of Marin (AIM) is actively working to increase access to and affordability of fresh, locally grown food by making AIM’s certified farmers markets a welcome place for CalFresh recipients. AIM began accepting food stamps at its farmers markets in 2008 and expanded shortly after with support from a two-year grant from the USDA’s Farmers Market Promotion Program. CalFresh/food stamps are now accepted at all of AIM’s eight Bay Area certified farmers’ markets, including Grand Lake, Hayward, and Newark Farmers Markets. Shoppers have their EBT card processed at the Information Tent at each market, and receive wooden tokens. These tokens can be used throughout the market to purchase breads and cereals; fruits and vegetables; meats, fish, poultry and dairy products; as well as seeds and plants that produce food for the household. (Unallowed items include: hot, prepared foods and any non-food items). Many farmers in the markets also accept WIC (Women, Infants and Children) and Senior Farmers Market vouchers directly. While CalFresh is accepted at many retailers, produce at the farmers market is often less expensive and more nutritious because consumers buy directly from farmers.

AIM’s newest program, Market Match, increases access to fresh, local and nutritious food by essentially doubling the value of CalFresh benefits. Market Match provides a match of up to $20 per market day for shoppers using EBT cards at AIM’s farmers markets. For example, when a customer uses $20 from their EBT card, they will receive $40 worth of tokens to purchase allowed items throughout the market. With support from California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and Wholesome Wave, AIM has recently launched Market Match at the following markets: Grand Lake – Oakland (Saturdays, 9am-2pm), Hayward (Saturdays, 9am-1pm), Newark (Sundays, 9am-1pm), and Stonestown – San Francisco (Sundays, 9am-1pm).

Market Match is also available at AIM’s certified farmers markets in Marin County: Marin Farmers Markets at the Civic Center (Thursdays and Sundays 8am-1pm, year-round), Novato Farmers Market (Tuesdays, 4-8 pm, May through September), and Fairfax Farmers Market (Wednesday from 4-8 pm, May through September).

“Our goal with Market Match is to encourage more people to shop at farmers markets, increase revenue for local farmers and producers, and to increase access to fresh, healthy and nutritious food for everyone in our community”, said Leah Smith, Agricultural Institute of Marin’s Director of Programs.

The Market Match is a time-limited program, which will run until funds have been used.

AGRICULTURAL INSTITUTE OF MARIN EXPANDS MARKET MATCH PROGRAM TO OFFER DOUBLE VALUE FOR FOOD STAMPS AT STONESTOWN FARMERS MARKET

SAN RAFAEL, CA, April 16, 2012 – San Francisco is not immune to the impact of the hard-hitting economic downturn and an increasing number of San Francisco residents are finding it difficult to feed their families. Over 85,000 adults in San Francisco County are estimated to be food insecure.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as “limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods.  Some of these individuals and families find relief through CalFresh, the federally funded food stamp program known nationally as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).  In September 2011  43,678 people in San Francisco were enrolled in CalFresh.  This represents a 43% increase since September 2006 (as reported by California Food Policy Advocates).

As a partner in promoting healthy and local food consumption throughout the Bay Area, Agricultural Institute of Marin (AIM) is actively working to increase access to and affordability of fresh, locally grown food by making AIM’s certified farmers markets a welcome place for CalFresh recipients.  AIM began accepting food stamps at its farmers markets in 2008 and expanded shortly after with support from a two-year grant from the USDA’s Farmers Market Promotion Program.  CalFresh/food stamps are now accepted at all of AIM’s eight Bay Area certified farmers’ markets, including Stonestown Farmers Market at the Stonestown Galleria.  Shoppers have their EBT card processed at the Information Tent at each market, and receive wooden tokens.  These tokens can be used throughout the market to purchase breads and cereals; fruits and vegetables; meats, fish, poultry and dairy products; as well as seeds and plants that produce food for the household.  (Unallowed items include: hot, prepared foods and any non-food items).   Many farmers in the markets also accept WIC (Women, Infants and Children) and Senior Farmers Market vouchers directly.  While CalFresh is accepted at many retailers, produce at the farmers market is often less expensive and more nutritious because consumers buy directly from farmers.

AIM’s newest program, Market Match, increases access to fresh, local and nutritious food by essentially doubling the value of CalFresh benefits.  Market Match provides a match of up to $20 per market day for shoppers using EBT cards at AIM’s farmers markets.  For example, when a customer uses $20 from their EBT card, they will receive $40 worth of tokens to purchase allowed items throughout the market.  With support from California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and Wholesome Wave, AIM has recently launched Market Match at the following markets: Grand Lake – Oakland (Saturdays, 9am-2pm), Hayward (Saturdays, 9am-1pm), Newark (Sundays, 9am-1pm), and Stonestown – San Francisco (Sundays, 9am-1pm).

Market Match is also available at AIM’s certified farmers markets in Marin County: Marin Farmers Markets at the Civic Center (Thursdays and Sundays 8am-1pm, year-round), Novato Farmers Market (Tuesdays, 4-8 pm, May through September), and Fairfax Farmers Market (Wednesday from 4-8 pm, May through September).

“Our goal with Market Match is to encourage more people to shop at farmers markets, increase revenue for local farmers and producers, and to increase access to fresh, healthy and nutritious food for everyone in our community”, said Leah Smith, Agricultural Institute of Marin’s Director of Programs.

The Market Match is a time-limited program, which will run until funds have been used.

NOVATO FARMERS MARKET SPRINGS OPENS TUESDAY, MAY 1st

NOVATO, CA, April 16, 2012 – The Novato Farmers Market will open for the 2012 season on Tuesday, May 1st on Grant Ave.  The market will run 4 pm-8 pm each Tuesday evening, through the end of September. In its 22^nd season, the Novato Farmers Market continues the tradition of providing a vibrant community gathering place for Novato residents to come together to celebrate fresh and local food.

Over the course of the season, 50 farmers and food purveyors, and 25 different artisans will visit the Novato Farmers Market, which is operated by the Agricultural Institute of Marin.

A core community of celebrated regulars will be returning for the 2012 season, including Novato’s own Kettle Thai and FlourChylde Bakery, and later in the season The Ice Queen Shave Ice.  Farmers Market Manager Emmett Brady notes that “the continued success of these businesses shows the market’s role in incubating small local businesses. These locals help give the market its unique Novato flair”.

Dozens of farmers and ranchers will return to the market this year from Marin, Sonoma, the Bay Area, and beyond.  The market is pleased to welcome back local favorite Indian Valley Organic Farm & Garden with their assortment of fresh vegetables grown just 3 miles away.

The market is also pleased to welcome some fresh new tastes to the market including Valley Ford Cheese Company with aged artisan cheese, Golden Waffle with hot Belgian waffles, and Bordenave’s Bakery, who will feature their new wood-fired artisanal breads, Gusto Giuliani Foods with authentic Italian cuisine, Olive & Vine with sweet and savory galettes and cookies, and A Piece of Cake and Confections with assorted cakes and pastries.

The market is a fantastic forum for live music from local artists, each week you’ll find a new local musician jamming the night away, including many local school groups. Kids’ activities from Jubilee Jumps, pony rides with Victoria’s Fashion Stables, and face painting by Silly Lilly also add to the ambiance of the market.  The market will also welcome local community groups such as Novato Parks and Recreation, Downtown Novato Business Association and Master Gardeners.

“The market has a magical way of bringing folks together to celebrate community and great food.  It brings a festive energy to Downtown Novato and I’m looking forward to a great season”, says Brady.

FAIRFAX FARMERS MARKET SPRINGS OPENS WEDNESDAY, MAY 2nd

FAIRFAX, CA, April 9, 2012 – The Fairfax Farmers Market will open for its 2012 season on Wednesday, May 2nd under the redwoods of Bolinas Park. The market will run 4 pm-8 pm through the end of September. The Fairfax Farmers Market is operated by Agricultural Institute of Marin, and provides a vibrant community gathering place for Fairfax residents to gather and celebrate fresh and local food.

Farmers returning to the market include Marin’s very own Paradise Valley Produce with vibrant organic veggies, Laguna Farm also with vegetables from the Marin/Sonoma border, and Sartori Farm sweeter-than-pie organic strawberries (you can also find them in the form of strawberry ice-cream around the corner at the Fairfax Scoop). Fabulous farmers also in the market this year will include Kashiwase Farms with mouth dripping all organic peaches, nectarines and plums; Balakian Farms with organic heirloom tomatoes and summer squash – don’t forget to try their tomatillos – and Ortiz Brothers Farms with Sonoma grown flowers and veggies! Too many to name them all, the market will bustle with great fresh-produce from fabulous farmers.

New vendors this year will include Wild West Ferments bringing the Town of Fairfax the highest quality locally grown and produced fermented vegetables and fruit drinks. Try their delicious sauerkraut with a hint of cumin or their strawberry bubbly made with Sartori strawberries and water. S.F. Pops will be bringing seasonal delicious fruit popsicles. Keep on the lookout for chocolate avocado or pummelo mint! Edge Works will be attending to sharpen those dull knives you have laying around the kitchen.

Returning to the market this year are favorites Brittany Crepes, both savory and sweet. They even have gluten free buckwheat batter. Café Zambala returns with their tasty Tibetan lentils and mango lassies and Easy Living Foods with their selection of raw power foods like their cashew carrot dip. This year they will satisfy the sweet side with raw desserts! Of course we will also have East and West Gourmet with their famous Bolani flatbreads stuffed with spinach, pumpkin, or lentils as well as Fat Angel Bakery and Delicieux/Fairfax Baker, two more scrumptious locals.

One of the unique features of the Fairfax Farmers Market, is what you will not find – plastic bags. Farmers and food purveyors will be providing paper and compostable bags in place of plastic bags – however we recognize that the goal is for market shoppers to remember to bring their own bags (B.Y.O.B.). While paper and compostable bags offer alternatives to plastic bags, they are still single-use bags, and therefore use valuable resources. So, remember to bring you own bag, basket, backpack or creative carry-along.

Raylene Dohn, Fairfax Farmers Market’s proud market manager believes “the Fairfax Farmers Market is truly reflective of the Fairfax community. The fact that market booths are nestled in between towering redwoods rather than in straight lines embodies Fairfax’s “think outside the box” spirit. Fairfax leads the way on so many issues. Join me in supporting the best of local food and farms by shopping the Fairfax Farmers Market every Wednesday.”

May, 2012

AGRICULTURAL INSTITUTE OF MARIN ANNOUNCES SUMMER SEASON OF CHEF DEMOS AT MARIN FARMERS MARKETS

SAN RAFAEL, CA, May 30, 2012 – Throughout the summer farmers market season, Agricultural Institute of Marin’s (AIM) Marin Farmers Markets will host local chefs, who will prepare delicious dishes featuring the best of local food in a series of chef demonstrations. The chef demos are a great opportunity to learn more about local food and produce, meet Bay Area chefs, and sample their delicious creations.

On Sunday, June 10, the first chef demonstration of the 2012 summer farmers market season will feature Austin Perkins, Executive Chef of Nick’s Cove, Oyster Bar & Cottages in Marshall. Perkins captures the true essence of “farm-to-table”, creating fine seasonal, sustainable California cuisine sourced from the area’s abundant farms in Marin and Sonoma County as well as fresh seafood and Tomales Bay oysters year-round. Perkins will be preparing Rossotti Ranch Goat Meatballs, a favorite from the Nick’s Cove menu, which features meat and vegetables from Marin producers.

“The Marin Farmers Market is an amazing opportunity to meet producers and celebrate all the wonderful food grown locally”, says Perkins. “It is important for us to honor the place in which we live and work, and these great farmers make it very easy with such excellent product.”

The season continues with chef demonstrations and cooking activities on Sunday, July 15, Sunday, August 19, and Sunday, September 16 featuring Chef Rachelle Boucher. Boucher will host interactive activities allowing market shoppers to learn more about seasonal fruits and vegetables, learn new preparation techniques, and be inspired to create local specialties in their own kitchens.

Boucher is the Chief Chef for the Sears Appliance Builder Distributor Group (Standards of Excellence, Florida Builder Appliances & Westar Kitchen & Bath), a premier provider of quality appliances for the trade professional and residential clients. She is passionate about food and cooking and has been a chef, teacher, cooking event host and community activist for many years.

All Chef Demos and activities will be held at the Sunday Marin Farmers Market, held at the Marin County Civic Center in San Rafael. Visit www.agriculturalinstitute.org or call (415) 472-6100 for more information.

September, 2012

AGRICULTURAL INSTITUTE OF MARIN COMPLETES
MARKET MATCH INCENTIVE PROGRAM AT FARMERS MARKETS

SAN RAFAEL, CA, September 15, 2012 – As a partner in promoting healthy and local food consumption throughout the Bay Area, Agricultural Institute of Marin (AIM) actively works to increase access to and affordability of fresh, locally grown food by making AIM’s certified farmers markets a welcome place for CalFresh (food stamp) recipients.

AIM began accepting food stamps at its farmers markets in 2008 and expanded shortly after with support from a two-year grant from the USDA’s Farmers Market Promotion Program. CalFresh is now accepted at all of AIM’s eight Bay Area certified farmers’ markets, including Marin Farmers Market, Novato Farmers Market, Fairfax Farmers Market, Grand Lake – Oakland Farmers Market, Hayward Farmers Market, Newark Farmers Market, and Stonestown – San Francisco Farmers Market.

AIM’s Market Match incentive program has recently come to an end. Market Match was a time-limited program which
offered an incentive by doubling the value of CalFresh benefits. Beginning in Fall 2011 in Marin county, Market Match provided a match of up to $20 per market day for shoppers using CalFresh EBT cards. AIM expanded the program in ______ to its markets in San Francisco and Alameda counties.

Market Match was made possible through grants from Marin Community Foundation, Kaiser Permanente, Roots of Change, and Wholesome Wave. AIM distributed a total of $_______ in incentive funds to CalFresh participants in San Francisco, Alameda, and Marin counties between October 2011 and September 2012.

Market Match Double Value coins (wooden coins with red or purple ink) are no longer being distributed. AIM will continue to accept the double value coins until there are no more in circulation and will continue to distribute and welcome the regular EBT coins.

“The goal of the Market Match program was to encourage more people to shop at farmers markets, increase revenue for farmers and producers, and to increase access to fresh, healthy and nutritious food for everyone in our community. While the Market Match double value incentive has finished, AIM continues to welcome CalFresh shoppers at all of our farmers markets”, said Leah Smith, Agricultural Institute of Marin’s Director of Programs.

For more information about Market Match or AIM’s programs and farmers markets, visit www.agriculturalinstitute.org or call (415) 472-6100.

AGRICULTURAL INSTITUTE OF MARIN’S MARKET MATCH PROGRAM OFFERS DOUBLE VALUE FOR FOOD STAMPS AT MARIN FARMERS MARKETS — Nov. 21, 2011

SAN RAFAEL, CA, November 21, 2011 – Marin County is not immune to the impact of the hard-hitting economic downturn and an increasing number of Marin residents are finding it difficult to feed their families. Over 13,000 people in Marin are estimated to be food insecure. The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as “limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods. In September 2011 over 8,000 people in Marin were enrolled in CalFresh, the federally funded food stamp program known nationally as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This represents a 79% increase since September 2006 (reported by California Food Policy Advocates).

As a partner in promoting healthy and local food consumption for the entire Marin community, Agricultural Institute of Marin (AIM) is actively working to increase access to and affordability of fresh, locally grown food by making AIM’s certified farmers markets a welcome place for Marin County residents using CalFresh. AIM began accepting food stamps at its certified farmers markets in 2008 and expanded shortly after with support from a two-year grant from the USDA’s Farmers Market Promotion Program. CalFresh is now accepted at all of AIM’s eight Bay Area certified farmers’ markets. Shoppers have their EBT card processed at the Information Tent at each market, and receive wooden tokens. These tokens can be used throughout the market to purchase breads and cereals; fruits and vegetables; meats, fish, poultry and dairy products; as well as seeds and plants that produce food for the household. (Unallowed items include: hot, prepared foods and any non-food items). While CalFresh is accepted at many retailers, produce at the farmers market is often less expensive and more nutritious because consumers buy directly from farmers. Many farmers in the markets also accept WIC (Women, Infants and Children) and Senior Farmers Market vouchers directly.

AIM’s newest program to increase access to fresh, local and nutritious food is Market Match, which began this Fall at AIM’s farmers markets located in Marin. Made possible with support from Marin Community Foundation and Kaiser Permanente, Market Match essentially doubles the value of CalFresh benefits, providing a match of up to $20 per market day for shoppers using EBT cards. For example, when a customer uses $20 from their EBT card, they will receive $40 worth of tokens to purchase allowed items throughout the market.

Jessica Zwolinski of Novato shops every week at the Marin Farmers Market at the Civic Center, using CalFresh EBT to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, milk, and meat. “This is a great program that allows me to get even more fresh nutritious food for my 3 year old son”, says Zwolinski. “I like to sneak in sweet potatoes, kale and other vegetables into his meals”. Zwolinski has been shopping at the farmers market consistently for a little over a year and says, “Prices really are better here, especially for things that are in season”. With the extra $20 match, fresh local food is accessible. “This is a total help and blessing to me”.

Market Match is available at the following AIM certified farmers markets: Marin Farmers Markets at the Civic Center (Thursdays and Sundays from 8 am – 1 pm, year-round), Novato Farmers Market (Tuesday from 4-8 pm, May through September), and Fairfax Farmers Market (Wednesday from 4-8 pm, May through September). AIM is currently looking for funders/partners to expand the double value program into its other markets in the Bay Area, including AIM farmers markets in Alameda County and San Francisco, where the need is great.

“Our goal with Market Match is to encourage more people to shop at farmers markets, increase revenue for farmers and producers, and to increase access to fresh, healthy and nutritious food for everyone in our community”, said Leah Smith, Agricultural Institute of Marin’s Director of Programs.

The Market Match program will run through November 2012 or until funds have been used

May

MARIN’s “PLASTIC BAG – FREE” FAIRFAX FARMERS MARKET OPENS MAY 4th — May 4, 2011

FAIRFAX, APRIL 27th, 2009 –The Fairfax Farmers Market will open for the 2011 season on Wednesday, May 4th under the redwoods of Bolinas Park. The market will run 4 pm-8 pm through the end of September. Agricultural Instititute of Marin (AIM) the organizer of this market (formerly known as Marin Farmers Market) appreciates the can-do spirit of the Fairfax community and its keen support for local farmers.

Farmers returning to the market include Marin’s very own Paradise Valley Produce with vibrant organic veggies, Laguna Farm also with vegetables from the Marin/Sonoma border, and Sartori Farm sweeter-than-pie organic strawberries (you can also find them in the form of strawberry ice-cream around the corner at the Fairfax Scoop). Fabulous farmers also in the market this year will include Kashiwase Farms with mouth dripping all organic peaches, nectarines and plums; Balakian Farms with organic heirloom tomatoes and summer squash – don’t forget to try their tomatillos – and Ortiz Brothers Farms with Sonoma grown flowers and veggies! Too many to name them all, the market will bustle with great fresh-produce from fabulous farmers.

New vendors this year will include Wild West Ferments bringing the Town of Fairfax the highest quality locally grown and produced fermented vegetables and fruit drinks. Try their delicious sauerkraut with a hint of cumin or their strawberry bubbly made with Sartori strawberries and water. S.F. Pops will be bringing seasonal delicious fruit popsicles. Keep on the lookout for chocolate avocado or pummelo mint! Edge Works will be attending to sharpen those dull knives you have laying around the kitchen.

Returning to the market this year are favorites Brittany Crepes , both savory and sweet. They even have gluten free buckwheat batter. Café Zambala returns with their tasty Tibetan lentils and mango lassies and Easy Living Foods with their selection of raw power foods like their cashew carrot dip. This year they will satisfy the sweet side with raw desserts! Of course we will also have East and West Gourmet with their famous Bolani flatbreads stuffed with spinach, pumpkin, or lentils as well as Fat Angel Bakery and Delicieux/Fairfax Baker, two more scrumptions locals.

Even with its unique collection of 25 local farmers, food purveyors, and artisans, another notable feature, like the last two years, is what you will not find at the Fairfax Farmers Market is single use plastic bags. Farmers and food purveyors will be providing paper and compostable bags in place of plastic bags – however we recognize that the goal is for market shoppers to remember to bring their own bags (B.Y.O.B.). While paper and compostable bags offer alternatives to plastic bags, they are still single-use bags, and therefore use valuable resources. So, remember to bring you own bag, basket, backpack or creative carry-along.

Matt Toy, Fairfax Farmers Markets proud market manager believes “the Fairfax Farmers Market is truly reflective of the Fairfax community. The fact that market booths are nestled in between towering redwoods rather than in straight lines embodies Fairfax’s “think outside the box” spirit. Fairfax leads the way on so many issues. Join me in supporting the best of local food and farms by shopping the Fairfax Farmers Market every Wednesday.”

Agricultural Institute of Marin is a 501(c)3 non-profit which runs 8 farmers markets in the Bay Area. For 28 years AIM has been bringing farmers and communities together to create healthy viable local food systems. For more information please visit www.agriculturalinstitute.org

NOVATO FARMERS MARKET SPRINGS OPEN TUESDAY, MAY 3th — May 3, 2011

NOVATO, CA (APRIL 25th) –The Novato Farmers Market will open for the 2011 season on Tuesday, May 3th on Grant Ave. The market will run 4 pm-8 pm through the end of September. Entering its 22nd season, the Novato Farmers Market continues the tradition of providing a vibrant community gathering place for Novato residents to come together to celebrate fresh and local food.

Over the course of the season, 50 farmers and food purveyors, and 15 different artisans will visit Grant Ave. Meet one of the closest growers to this market, returning for their second year with organic vegetables, plant starts and flowers Indian Valley Farm and Garden, enjoy organic fruits and vegetables from Splendor Salad, and delight in local sweet honey from Marshall’s Farm.

A core community of celebrated regulars will be returning for the 2011 season, including Novato locals Woodside Farms, Flour Chylde Bakery, and Kettle Thai. Frickles, a new Novato business addition, offers a unique product that customers will be curious to try: fried pickles, organic okra and green tomatoes, and apple slices. You’ll be pleased to know that Frickles’ owner gives his used frying oil to a friend of his who runs his car on biodiesel made afterward. Now that’s recycling!

Farmers Market Manager Chris Blackburn notes that “the success of these local businesses is a testament to the market’s role in incubating small local businesses. I’ve focused on bringing local people into the mix to give the market a unique Novato flair. It makes the market feel like a true community gathering place.”

Novato will also welcome Tara Firma Farm, located in Petaluma, who will bring their new products Organic beef, pork, and organic free-range eggs. Blackburn is also pleased to welcome some fresh new tastes to the market including La Saison from Napa, Mission Fish, as well as beautiful flowers from Crane Creek. The market is a fantastic forum for live music from local artists, each week you’ll find a new local musician jamming the night away, including many local school groups. Jubilee Jumps, Victoria Fashion Stables pony rides and balloon and face painting by Silly Lilly also add to the ambiance of the market. The market will also welcome local community groups such as Novato Parks and Recreation, Downtown Novato Business Association, and Master Gardeners.

Blackburn, in his second-year managing the market, has been anticipating the market for weeks: “I’m most looking forward to the unique atmostphere that the charming downtown of Novato brings to the farmers market experience. The market has a magical way of bringing folks together to celebrate good company and good food. It brings a lot of life to the City of Novato, and I’m simply thrilled to be a part of it.”

Agricultural Institute of Marin is a 501(c)3 non-profit which runs 8 farmers markets in the Bay Area. For 28 years AIM has been bringing farmers and communities together to create healthy viable local food systems. For more information please visit www.agriculturalinstitute.org