Farmers Market departure a win-win

Editor: The Sonoma County Certified Farmers’ Market Association has decided not to apply for a permit to return to the Sonoma Plaza next year. This was a business decision made by the association that has facilitated the nonprofit Tuesday night farmers market on the Plaza for over 20 years, and is a win/win for all involved.

To clarify some confusion as indicted by Mayor Barbose, Councilman Brown and Mr. Dardon, the Sonoma County Certified Farmers’ Market Association is a nonprofit mutual benefit corporation. The Sonoma Valley Certified Farmers Market is a member of the association (stated on home page svcfm.com) and derives its certification and nonprofit status from the association. While Dardon, Brown and Barbose express surprise and disbelief that this association exists, it is clearly stated on the home page of the website that Dardon set up shortly after he became president of the board six months ago. The Articles of Incorporation are filed with the California Secretary of State and constitute legal public notice of the organization and its officers and directors.

Over the past two years the City Council has required changes to the farmers market to make it more of a community social gathering, with an emphasis on picnics, music and a forum for free speech and demonstrations. These changes have been very popular with the community and attendance has greatly increased during this time. However the changes have resulted in an event that does not further the mission or purpose of the association, which is to provide a retail outlet for individuals engaged in the production and sale of quality agricultural products (farmers).

Sonoma loves a party and the Tuesday night event in the Plaza is a happy event that adds to the great community that we are. However, because a community social event does not fulfill the purpose for which the association is granted nonprofit status, the association has declined to participate in the City’s Request for Proposals, thereby giving the City Counsel the opportunity to issue a permit to an organization more appropriately designed to suit the requirements of the City Council.

The association’s decision is a win-win for everyone involved. The association can better concentrate on providing an outlet for farmers on Friday mornings and the City Council can take an active role in shaping a Tuesday night market that will reflect a more party atmosphere. I wish them both success.

Ilene Addison
Sonoma