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Letter: No ‘grand conspiracy’ to keep vendors out of Farmers’ Market

Posted on June 17, 2016 by Sonoma Valley Sun

In response to local citizens who have inquired about the “Fig Rig,” we are sorry that it wasn’t possible for us to accept them into the Tuesday Night Farmers’ Market this year. This was for several practical and logistical reasons that have been openly shared with Sondra Bernstein. There is no grand conspiracy or discrimination going on here, and like many in the community, we would love to have their presence at the Market. We encouraged them to consider some changes to their requirements, and also encouraged them to reapply for the 2017 season. Enough is enough about the many vendors (not just the girl and the fig) who were not accepted into the Market! Over 60 deserving and hard-working vendors were chosen—and deserve our support.

Our volunteer Board members spend a lot of time and energy each year reviewing more than 100 applications, with the goal of creating the best possible experience for the numerous and diverse patrons and supporters that frequent our market. With the market season well underway, we hope that the citizens of Sonoma will support the vendors we have chosen, particularly the farmers. Even applicants who did not get in, such as the girl and the fig, can support this well-loved community institution that they claim to care so much about and so much want to be a part of by supporting our farmers and buying fresh local produce.

Remember that this is ultimately a Farmers’ market, and we encourage all of you to keep the focus on our neighbors and fellow citizens, the farmers of our valley, our county and our state, who despite the corporatization of agriculture stacking the deck heavily against them, devote their time and their lives to growing and bringing us the best, freshest produce available.

See you Tuesday on the Plaza…. Support our farmers and buy fresh, quality produce directly from the dedicated people who grow it! Given the enviable success that all of Sondra’s endeavors enjoy, the “Fig Rig” is sure to enjoy more of the same. The very livelihood and continued existence of our farmers, however, depends upon your support every Tuesday night on the Plaza. Thank you for that support!

— Emily Fitzpatrick, Executive Administrator on behalf of the Board of Directors of Valley of the Moon Certified Farmers’ Market

 




Sonoma Sun | Sonoma, CA