Sunday, August 05, 2007

farmers markets,arkansas, Clarksville,Ar.

I am looking for anyone that could help me develop and promote a successful farmers market. I live in rural arkansas, clarksville,ar. to be precise. Population about 4,500 and 30,000 in the Johnson county area. This is the country that you in the City think about. I am not sure you dream about living and being here because today it was 97 degrees in the shade. The farmer down the road finished mowing the 20 acres of my Dad's pasture. My chile peppers are done for this year unless God sends rain soon. I had a small experimental garden this year. Just to see what would sell and how much to grow next season. The local high school greenhouse will be growing my transplants,20 flats of Chile peppers,watermelons,etc. But my problem is that the local Chamber of Commerce frowns on our small farmers market. No encouragement, no promotion. I plan to change this. I just need some help and advice. I have written to the WinRock Institute for help. If they can grow a market in Africa or Nepal ,surely they can help me to help others here. The Mennonites want to sell their home-made bread, the Mexicans want to buy my chiles and the locals want to sell their produce. We just don't have a good place to go and set up shop. Not Yet!