April 30, 2009

editorial

On farmers, markets and community

A farmers’ market enriches a town in so many ways. Farmers and other vendors gain an additional source of income. Consumers enjoy eating fresh, healthy food grown in nearby gardens and farms. Many villagers take pleasure in knowing the folks who grow their food, and feel passionately about buying local, knowing they’re doing a good thing for the planet. And, with its abundant colors, textures and smells, a farmers’ market attracts tourists. Many studies show that farmers’ markets are good for a local economy because visitors end up spending money in other stores as well. For 30 years Yellow Springers have been fortunate to reap all of these benefits and more, thanks to the generosity of Kings Yard owners Roger Hart and his daughter, Cathy Christian, who provided the space for our own local market.

Especially important, the Saturday morning market bloomed with community, as neighbors and friends caught up on each others’ lives as they shopped for kale and zucchini.

So it was no small thing when recent changes in the local market threatened to alter its character. New policies require vendors to pay for their space and purchase insurance, among other changes. Of course, property owners have the right to charge for the use of their property, and the owner no doubt had good reasons to want a more organized event. But it was evident that the new expenses would keep some vendors from taking part — especially those with small gardens, or little girls selling homemade dog biscuits, or other unorthodox participants, all of whom give our local market its considerable charm.

It’s gratifying that local vendors seem, in Yellow Springs fashion, to have found a creative solution. Those who can afford to stay in the Kings Yard space, and who choose to do so, will continue there. Thanks to owner Bob Swaney, other vendors will set up their stands, starting this Saturday, just down the street in the Corner Cone parking lot. Customers don’t have to travel far from one market to the other.

While this move seems to satisfy everyone, it would be wise for local leaders to keep an eye on how well two Saturday markets serve the village. In many municipalities, the local government provides space for a market. Given the economic benefits for a town, leaders have every reason to do so. Some vendors recently suggested Short Street, with traffic blocked off on Saturday morning, as a potential site. This seems an excellent idea. It would be lovely for Yellow Springs to have one large, thriving, festive farmers’ market, right in the heart of the village.

—Diane Chiddister