Fieldwork: Email & Interview Transcript with Beth Ferguson
1. What are the roles of each of these organizations with the Richmond farmers markets and the general Richmond community? (the Virginia Farmers Market Association and/or Real Local RVA)
Ferguson: Real Local RVA is a grassroots group of independent, small grocery stores, farmers, farmer’s markets, value added producers, restaurants, and supporters working to build a more collaborative local food system. Our mission is to educate, support and raise awareness of the local food movement and choices in the Greater Richmond area. The purpose of the group is to support the businesses who are growing, creating and selling local food and drink, and help to build a more collaborative local food system. We are a membership based organization, and we hold monthly meetings focused around education, collaboration and storytelling within the local food movement. We also have an outward facing “buy local” message directed at consumers to encourage them to learn about where their food comes from. The core of our mission (buy local, meet your farmer, support your local economy, etc.) supports the mission of the farmers markets, and we try to share their messaging and support their work.
2. What are some ways that farmers markets impact the Richmond community?
Ferguson: Farmer’s markets are a great way for consumers to meet their farmers and learn more about where their food comes from. Shoppers begin to develop relationships with their farmers, and they are a great place to teach children about local food. They are social centers, places where relationships are built, and communities are sustained. They provide a place for farmers to sell directly to consumers, bypassing all of the wholesale markets, and allowing farmers to get the maximum amount possible for their food.
3. What do farmers markets say about the culture of Richmond?
Ferguson: I feel like this question is similar to the question above. There are lots of farmer’s markets in the Richmond area, and some might argue there are too many markets and not enough shoppers. I think the local food movement is alive and well in the Richmond area, and has grown tremendously in the last 5 years, but we still need more people committing to buy local food. Access to fresh, healthy food is important for all humans, and everyone should have the experience of purchasing food directly from the farmer and taking it home to cook. As the art of cooking falls more and more by the wayside, these markets (in my opinion) are the key to getting people back in their kitchens and reconnecting with their food. We live in a fast paced culture of convenience and instant gratification, but this has come with a great cost to our health. The key to health begins with real food, and what better place to find it than at your local farmer’s market!
Fieldwork: community reviews for Ashland Farmers Market
Yelp reviews: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ashland-farmers-market-ashland-2
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/AshlandFarmersMarket/reviews/?ref=page_internal
Farmers Markets and Cities 