When MAI learned that the Marin IJ was writing a follow up piece on the recent Wall Street Journal article regarding the proliferation of farmers markets in CA, we were excited to continue the conversation. The article was going well until Johann Smit, farmer and MAI board member, was misquoted and oddly pitted against Brigitte Moran, Executive Director of MAI. Contrary to the article's framing, Johann and Brigitte are on the same team, working toward the same goal of creating the most vibrant and viable farmers markets for both the farmers and the community at large.

Ultimately, we felt the heart of the story was missed. California Code of Regulations for Direct Marketingallows for a certifiedfarmers markets to be operated by only three entities: one or more certified producers, a nonprofit organization, or a local government agency. Unfortunately, permits to operate farmers markets have been issued to individuals/businesses that do not fit into one of these categories.  The law was designed to support California's small family farmers by ensuring a level playing field among the organizations that run farmers markets. MAI believes that the transparency you expect from the people who grow your food should also be expected from the organization that runs your market.  

MAI is proud to be a mission-driven 501(c)3 non-profit, dedicated to community education, and governed by a Board of Directors representing our farmers, food purveyors, and artisans as well as MAI's partner agricultural organizations and the community at large. We'd like to invite members of our community to support MAI by posting a comment to one of the following articles, As the Number of Marin Markets Grows (Marin IJ), Farmers Markets See Risk From Growth (Wall Street Journal), What about the Farmers (Marin IJ). Thank you for your ongoing support.