Have your say about "naturally raised"

The USDA is currently accepting comments about their proposed "naturally raised" label. Many people in the sustainable agriculture community are concerned that the USDA's proposed definition is confusing and will undermine other labels like certified organic. Visit the Ethicurean blog to learn more and click here to make a comment before March 3 >

King Corn ~ March 5, 2008

On Wednesday, March 5, at 6:00 pm, ITVS Community Cinema presents King Corn at the San Francisco Public Library. In this funny and poignant documentary, two recent college graduates embark on a mission to see where America's food comes from—by growing it. In the rural town of Greene, Iowa, the two friends plant a single acre of the nation's most powerful crop—corn—and then set out to follow it from a seed to the dinner plate. Click here for details >

Stanford series ~ The Ethics of Food and the Environment

Through April, a Stanford University series of public lectures, films and dinners is exploring the ethical issues surrounding food production in the United States and around the globe. Click here to learn more >

National pesticide forum ~ March 14 to 16, 2008

Join Beyond Pesticides, Californians for Pesticide Reform (CPR) and Pesticide Action Network North America for Reclaiming Our Healthy Future: Political change to protect the next generation. This national gathering of pesticide experts and activists will take place from March 14 to 16 at UC Berkeley. Click to learn more and register >

Saturday, March 1 ~ Market to Table

10:30 am ~ Seasonal cooking demonstration
Esther Pruitt of Hare Hollow will demonstrate some of her favorite recipes using the olive oils and vinegars that she creates.

11:15 am ~ Seasonal cooking demonstration
Mark Ayers of Pacific's Edge and TusCA Ristorante

Saturday, March 8 ~ Market to Table

10:30 am ~ Meet the farmer
Will Brokaw of Brokaw Nursery

11:00 am ~ Seasonal cooking demonstration
Bibby Gignilliat of Parties That Cook

All programs will take place in front of the Ferry Building on the north side.

CUESA volunteer Shannon Donahue wrote this week's feature.

Spring at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market is a time of change. While we may rue the dwindling supplies of winter standbys, we anticipate and delight in the new season’s bounty, including tender asparagus, green garlic, and succulent strawberries. For local farmers, this is a time for strategic planning and decision-making that will shape the success of their coming growing season.

Growers’ planting decisions are based on personal preferences and consumer trends as well as their farm’s microclimate, topography, and soil. On an ecological farm, the soil is replenished without heavy inputs of synthetic chemicals, often using techniques such as fallowing and crop rotation. Bill Crepps of Everything Under the Sun farm notes that small farms must find a balance of land uses that allows them to maintain soil health and ensure an adequate supply of produce to take to market. This means that farmers must choose their crops wisely and time them meticulously to maximize profit while ensuring the continued health of the farm ecosystem.

Grant Brians of Heirloom Organics only grows crops that he deems tasty. “Fortunately,” he adds, “I happen to like a lot of things.” Heirloom Organics, as its name suggests, is a farm well known for the unusual and antique varieties that it grows. Grant works with Seed Savers Exchange and other seed companies and organizations to find heirlooms that work on a commercial scale. In an effort to reintroduce heirloom varieties, Grant also conducts seed trials for a company to assess different plants’ potential for success in his soils and markets. Currently, he is testing 14 different carrot cultivars!

Farm management can be logistically complex for farms with diverse topographies, crops, and microclimates. Bill considers seed ordering a year-round job that includes both seasonal seed orders and last-minute purchases due to unexpected growing conditions. For example, recent dry weather prompted Bill to spontaneously plant extra crops of spinach and lettuce to bring to market. Grant starts most of his seeds in the ground, but, like many larger farms, he works with local greenhouses to germinate some of the hundred-plus varieties he grows. At Everything Under the Sun, Bill uses his own greenhouse to start crops like broccoli and melons.

Often, the first year is a trial run for a new offering: Grant assesses the commercial viability of the yield and determines whether consumers like the taste. Last year, local chefs responded enthusiastically to his first harvest of Dragon Tongue beans, so this year he will plant 30 times the number of seeds. Since Heirloom Organics offers many reintroduced varieties that are unfamiliar to the average eater, Grant considers education a key component of his farm’s success.

The coming season promises a bounty of both known and novel crops and varieties for our enjoyment. Bill is always on the lookout for new organic hybrids, but often these seeds are not priced for commercial production. Although his offerings may vary a bit from year to year, Bill says his focus is always on the quality of his produce. “When you sell at a [farmers’] market,” he says, “...the best way to maximize your sales is by having the best quality.” Like Bill, Grant works extensively to ensure that his produce is of the highest quality, regardless of the season or variety. This sneak peek from Grant will likely whet your appetite: Heirloom Organics will be offering new, vivid red spinach. Take advantage of this time to talk to our local farmers--they too may be willing to offer you a tasty sneak peek of the coming bounty!

This is the most up-to-date information about which sellers will and won't be attending the market as of Friday, when we send this letter. If there are no changes to a seller's status, they will not be listed. To find out which farmers regularly attend each market, click here. Please understand that there are often last-minute changes--it's the nature of farming!

Coming next week: The March seasonality synopsis!

Saturday, March 1

In/returning: Allstar Organics, The Apple Farm, Bella Viva Orchards, Chan's Nursery, Flatland Flower Farm, G.L. Alfieri Farms, Hayes Street Grill, Honeycrisp Farm, Knoll Farms, Rose Pistola, Vicolo Pizza
Out: Brooks and Daughters Sprouts, Marin Roots Farm, Orangewood Farm

Tuesday, March 4

In/returning: Cap'n Mike's Holy Smoke