Post-Election Thoughts

      Posted On: November 10, 2016

The election map displayed a poignant picture of the vast divide in concerns and priorities of rural and urban America. For the farmers market community, this map serves as a call to action, and reaffirmation of the importance of our work. Farmers markets have long served as a rare bridge between rural and urban communities, showcasing the best of our country. Through the hard work of farmers, community and municipal partners, volunteers, and entrepreneurs, rural and urban America come together once a week to shop, learn, eat, and connect with each other over fresh, local food. Our country needs more of this. More relationships forged, ideas shared, and innovations devised at the intersection of food access and agricultural development.

I write this while sitting in a room full of extremely dedicated, creative market managers who traveled from far and wide to attend the Virginia Farmers Market Conference. They’ve come together to collaborate, learn from each other and plan for the year to come.

As we move forward after a long, divisive election year, your continued work as a market manager is more important than ever. Thank you for all that you do, and know that FMC will be working tirelessly to ensure that the incoming administration knows of your accomplishments, strengths, and needs as the farmers market movement continues to grow.

See you at market,
Jen Cheek