06/07/2019
From the Market Manager, Peter:
Hello dear Folks and Faithful Supporters!
WOW, what a Spring, eh!?! It seems to be one of the most Beautiful in many years, in the way of flowers and temperatures, aided by not have any late winter freezes. But, it is also proving to be a year for historic records in flooding, and that takes its toll unfortunately for so many.
I think that most of you are quite aware of the Challenges that the Local Organic farmers markets have been having in recent years. Many specific reasons and theories can be reviewed, but i will not belabor that too much here. (Although i am more than willing, and enJoy educating folks, in deepening our understanding and engagement for a better food system!) Most of you have observed the major shifts- the weakening of Organic with a greater emphasis on GMO-Free, changes in the marketplace and legal structures, and more. KC once had an awesome claim to fame in the Midwest with an amazing 8, Exclusively Local and Organic, markets. But sad to have to say that is now down to just 3 the last i heard.... Despite the gradual declines, we have a renewed Hope! We have seen some positive major shifts in the last year or so- we have some political and positioning changes, some new benefactor support, and the recent mega-sized buyouts of big-box stores weakening the 'giants' reputations. And possibly even more significant, the likelihood of a new, higher standard Organic label called "Regenerative Organic." We are happy to say that all of our farmers operate in this more idealistic standard that has greater ecological and nutritional impacts for all of us. It also returns us to the more original visions of the Organic movement before the USDA took over the legal meaning of the word in 2002. We had hopes back then, but are not overly surprised that the government corruptions have watered things down in a worsening way year after year... We hope you will stay engaged in any way you can with the Local Organics food movement, both locally and nationally. And that you will actively join in in this revival of Hope- every dollar we spend is a Vote for the system that will dominate!
So, that said, we are excited to have several new vendors joining us this year- actually expecting 5-10 over the season. The excessive rains have taken their toll, but in the coming weeks you should get to meet more and more of them. This Saturday, we will have a nice collection of greens and veggies, and herbs as well. We hope you will come by to meet them as they join us, and to hang out a bit and visit in our beautiful park.
We are very grateful to your continued patience as we adjust and work to rebuild the market with the new hopes on the horizon. We especially appreciate your patience and extra support during these challenging times! And please don't forget to Join and Like our FB page and Instagram Pages,
FB:
Insta:
and Share the hope with everyone around you:
Peter Stauffacher
www.KCORGANICS.com
816.444.FOOD(3663)
Foods that Nourish and Satiate
Starting on the corner of Holmes and Red Bridge Road. Head East on Red Bridge Road. First entrance o
