Hello,
Have you ever visited Pike’s Place Market in Seattle? (http://www.pikeplacemarket.org/ )
Ever considered the economic impact a robust market such as this has on the surrounding community?
Extension has been contacted to participate in and gather growers for a discussion on a proposed green market in Polk County. The developer would like to pick the brain of those most likely to participate as vendors in the market. His vision is big and hopes for public funds to help make the vision a reality. The discussion is designed to draw feedback from producers as to the likelihood for producer participation as an indication of the feasibility and ultimate success of the project. The proposed market would be located in Polk but bordering Osceola, Orange and Lake Counties at the intersection of Highway 27 and 54 (Four Corners). The proposed scale is designed to draw vendors from all over Central Florida. See the location and scale of the project at http://polk.ifas.ufl.edu/AG_Safety/files/pdf/publications/PolkFourCornersMarket.pdf.
The meeting will be held January 18th at 10 am at the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex 2701 Lake Myrtle Park Rd, Auburndale, FL 33823. We expect the meeting to last for app. 2 hours.
See directions here http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=217964219781809525293.000453181969471143ab2
For more information contact
Quen Wilson, AICP, CPM
Concurrency and Entitlements Director
Polk County Office of Planning and Development
(863) 534-6792
This is a big idea that could change the scope of direct to consumer marketing in Central Florida. We appreciate your time and hope you will be able to attend!
If you are not able to attend but are willing to provide comments on the project, please comment below to let us know what you think!
Thanks again for your time!
Mary Beth Henry
Small Farms/Pesticide Licensing
Extension Agent I, UF/IFAS Extension Polk County
1702 HWY. 17 S, Bartow, FL 33831 T: 863.519.8677 x 110 F: 863.534.0001
mbhenry@ufl.edu http://polksmallfarms.com http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu/
No Farmers No Food
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HELLO EVERYONE, HERE AT SHADY OAK FARM WE THINK THAT ITS GOING TO BE A GREAT ASSET TO US ALL....WE WILL BE GLAD TO COME TO THE MEETING...
ReplyDeleteTO LEARN MORE ABOUT IT... ANY OUTLET WE HAVE FOR OUR PRODUCE IS A PLUS FOR US.. THANK YOU. AND HAVE A GREAT DAY...
RETTA BAUCOM
SHADY OAK FARM
LAKELAND ,FL
Thanks Retta! MB
ReplyDeleteHi, it sounds great. Can't wait to see it. My only suggestion is that there be hose bibs for the plant vendors. Thanks, Jim Carcano @ Ridge Plants
ReplyDeletesorry didnt hear about that meeting until it passed.
ReplyDeleteI used to live in Seattle so I have been to Pike St market many hundreds of times. It was so much fun!
Our "market", due to Polk and some surrounding county residents being more conservative, will have a much different flair, but can still be successful with the right vendors and plenty of media /marketing coverage.
My hope is that we actually get the folks who raise their own products, and not,like so many of them who rush over to Plant City or down to the docks and purchase foods that are not grown locally( or even in the USA) then peddle these foods to unsuspecting customers.
The Law in Florida banning fresh eggs, milk from any source other than a certified dairy, or meat products not processed in the one USDA processing plant in the state were such that we could actually sell these home grown items, I believe we could do very well. As it is, I would be hesitant to set up for fear that the state would punish my simple attempt to help people eat wholesome, locally grown items from producers who live and work near the consumer, unless of course I sell produce( which I dont grow so not possible).
My other comment would be to limit the arts/crafts vendors, as they often take over and it becomes a "flea market" instead of a "Green market". Pike St. has done this also, and the items had to be hand made or juried before setting up.( at least it used to be that way)