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Vendor Spotlight: Ortiz Brothers
Pedro Ortiz (pictured above) and his family have been farming in Sonoma for 25 years. Pedro cultivates four different plots in Western Santa Rosa, with a total of 20 acres in production currently. Ortiz Brothers grow a variety of vegetables, ranging from peppers to lettuces, including a vibrant array of edible and decorative flowers. Keep your eyes out for their beautiful wreaths that Julia (Pedro's wife) makes by hand. You can find Ortiz Brothers at the Thursday and Sunday Marin Farmers Markets year-round, and at the Fairfax Farmers Market May - September. |
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What's in Season
Apples Asian Pears Artichokes Brussels Sprouts Broccoli Cabbage Chard Decorative Gourds Delicata Squash Eggplant Green & Wax Beans Kiwi Leek Peppers Persimmon Quince Torpedo Onions Shallots Spaghetti Squash |
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Halloween Celebrations
Sometimes it's Okay to Play with Your Food
 This weekend visit the information booth at an AIM farmers market listed below for free pumpkin decorating! Each child will be given one pumpkin to style their very own "Mr. Pumpkin Head" out of veggies from the market.
Because one day a year isn't enough time to show off your Halloween getup, we invite you to come to the market in character! It's a fact that shopping for locally grown food is even more enjoyable when you're in costume. |
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Thursday Marin Market Moves
ONLY: September, 11th, 8am - 1pm
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"No Spray"/"No Pesticides" Signs
No Longer Allowed at AIM Farmers Markets
In recent years it has become common practice for some farms to post "no spray" or "no pesticide" signs, presumably indicating that no pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides have been applied to the crop. However, these claims are not regulated by any certifying agency and are solely based on a trusting relationship between farmer and consumer. Our Staff and Board of Trustees have come to the conclusion that these unregulated claims can be confusing and sometimes misleading to customers. On October 7th, our Board of Trustees approved new rules and regulations which no longer allow "no spray" and "no pesticide" signage at our farmers markets.
Good questions to ask farmers include: "how do you manage pests on your farm; what pesticide or fertilizers do you use on your farm; when and how do you apply them?" These types of questions initiate a conversation, presenting an opportunity for farmers to explain their growing practices and for customers to learn more about their food and to make a more informed decision based on their values
*Note: Certified organically grown food is food grown and processed using no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Pesticides derived from natural sources (such as biological pesticides) may be used in producing organically grown food.
Read our Glossary of Terms brochure to learn more about the different terms you come across at the farmers market, and what exactly they mean. |
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Eat a Local Thanksgiving Dinner
Take the Challenge
 Tom the Turkey is challenging eaters around the Bay Area to take the Local Thanksgiving Dinner Challenge - to create a meal sourced entirely from your local farmers market! Should you choose to accept the challenge, we guarantee you'll enjoy the most flavorful, fresh, and feel-good meal of the year, while experiencing Thanksgiving in the most literal sense, having said "thank you" to the men and women who grow your food.
The Prize
As if the kudos from your family and friends weren't enough, we'd like to entice you further. AIM will award a $100 gift basket brimming with the best of the season from your local AIM farmers market to the 6 customers (one per market) who source the highest percentage of their Thanksgiving meal from one of our markets listed below. Creativity counts!
How to Participate
1. Visit your local AIM farmers market or our special Thanksgiving Marin Farmers Market - Wednesday, November 24th at the Marin Civic Center. Source as many ingredients as possible for your family's traditional recipes and come prepared to be inspired.
2. Savor a delicious Thanksgiving dinner and give thanks for your blessings and for the abundance of locally grown food we have at our fingertips.
3. Email info@agriculturalinstitute.org by November 30th to let us know how it went and answer the following questions. Which of the AIM farmers markets did you shop at? What dishes did you prepare? What ingredients did you purchase from which farmers, ranchers, or bakers? (Yes, pies and breads baked from the farmers market are fair game.) Top locavores will be announced on December 6th. Ready . . . Set . . . Buy Local!
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Market Updates
What's Hot at Your Favorite Farmers Market?
Pictured above are jujubes, also known as the Chinese date. You can find this fruit at all AIM markets, just ask at the information booth if you can't spot them in one of the farmer's stalls. - Thursday Marin: Marin rancher Kevin Maloney has joined the market to sell his grass-fed beef and lamb direct to customers. Stop by Fallon Hill's booth to talk to Kevin about his family-run business and ranching practices.
- Sunday Marin: Among the many heirloom varieties of vegetables that Ken Orchard grows, you can find the mysterious salsify on his tables. Don't be intimidated by this little-known root crop, it has a delicious flavor similar to that of artichoke hearts when boiled for soups, stews or stir-frys.
- Stonestown: Yori Ranch brings five to seven varieties of apples to market every week. They have apples for baking, apples to eat raw, and apples to keep the doctor away. Stop by their booth to sample them all!
- Newark: Join us in welcoming Auntie Kitty's Kreations and her garden-fresh jams and vinegars to market. Kitty's array of delectable preserves bring an ordinary slice of toast or bread to life!
- Hayward: Ever heard of Chinese dates or jujubes? These shiny brown and/or neon green fruits are said to have body cleansing powers and help with digestion. Farmer Sia Vang grows these little morsels, don't be afraid to ask him for a sample!
- Grand Lake: Dim sum, loosely translates "to pick whatever your heart desires" in Cantonese. With the arrival of Tru Gourmet at the market, Grand Lake patrons can enjoy a modern and organic twist on this traditional Chinese cuisine.
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