Market News Archive A

Summer Art Exhibit and Sale, August 27 at the Aptos Farmers Market

By Kirsten Fairchilds — When Diane Devine was a little girl, she used to draw in her mother's cookbooks. Those doodles would prove to be a fitting start for the youngster who later found great success as both an artist and a chef.

diane A renowned watercolorist whose work is on display locally at both Gayle’s Bakery and Wisteria Antiques, Devine worked as a chef in Carmel and Monterey as well as at UC Santa Cruz as the catering coordinator for Robert Sinsheimer during his tenure as Chancellor.

Devine will be joined by three other female artists from Santa Cruz County at the Aptos market on August 27 from 8 a.m. to noon. Liz Lyons Friedman, Brenda Mills Brannan, Karen Nevis and Devine will all be on hand to meet and greet visitors while having their works on display and for sale. Complimentary light refreshments will be served.

The theme of the show involves food, flowers, gardens and nature — a number of concepts that Lyons Friedman often incorporates into her work.

liz A traditional printmaker of linocuts and woodcuts, Lyons Friedman was in attendance at the Aptos market on July 23 to sign commemorative posters that she had designed for the Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets’ 35th anniversary.

Lyons Friedman says she’s looking forward to returning as part of a group of artists that celebrates life through art. “I’ve been coming to the Aptos market for over 20 years,” says Lyons Friedman, who resides in Aptos.

“I’ve done four pieces that feature the market. There’s such a strong sense of community here, and the incredible produce and gorgeous flowers are just so visually appealing.”

grapes “Food is definitely a great subject matter for art, but there is also a renewed interest in sustainable farming, visually appealing food and plating — which has become an art form in itself,” Lyons Friedman continues. “All of that combines to make a meal an occasion.”

A resident of Santa Cruz for 50 years, Devine says she was exposed to good food early on while growing up in San Francisco.

“We went out to dinner all the time when I was growing up,” says Devine, who currently splits her time between Santa Cruz and San Francisco. “All the restaurants were fantastic in San Francisco in the 1940s. The most expensive dinner was about $3.50. You could get filet mignon for $3.50.”

Many of the fruits and vegetables Devine purchases at farmers markets serve double-duty once she gets them home.

roses “The thing that is most important to me is my simple life,” Devine says. “It includes a lot of gardening, a lot of reading, a lot of painting and a lot of eating.”

“I love to paint food,” Devine continues.“"I paint in my garden in both Santa Cruz and San Francisco. I set up a still life with my items I’ve purchased from the farmers markets. I’ve done a lot of paintings that have a café theme. Almost all of my paintings have food and flowers in them.”

Visit the artists’ websites:

Diane Devine
Liz Lyons-Friedman
Karen Nevis
Brenda Mills-Brennan

Chicks in the City: The Zen of Raising Backyard Chickens

Can You Dig It workshop on August 20 at the Aptos Farmers Market will feature speaker Candice McLaren, Master Gardener and Poultry Guru.

Nothing says “back to the farm” like chickens. They are magical — and the perfect complement to a healthy garden. What other creature will take scraps from the table and worms from the soil and give you the perfect food — eggs! You will learn all there is to know about raising chickens in your city garden while improving the quality of life. Follow the growing stages of your baby chicks as they develop into a loving family pet.

Candice McLaren has lectured on chickens in the home garden at nearly every nursery in Santa Cruz County. Raised around poultry, she is the go-to-gardener for introducing chickens into your garden regime and reaping the benefits.

Please Join Us in Celebrating Our 35th Anniversary!

Enjoy a fun filled day with the whole family! Aptos Farmers Market will be celebrating its 35th Anniversary on Saturday, July 23, starting at 8 am.

Commemorative posters featuring our bustling Aptos farmers market by local artist Liz Lyons Friedman will be for sale. Liz will be available to autograph posters, too. There will be lots of fun activities for kids, too, including Jimmy-the-Balloon-Man with his balloon creations and a face painting station.

The Summer BBQ originally planned for July has been rescheduled for the fall due to the busy summer schedules of many of our farmers.

Cast Your Vote For Aptos Farmers Market!

If you find your local farmers market to be a great source of fresh, organic and locally grown foods, make sure to cast your vote for America’s Favorite Farmer's Market and let the world know why you love the Aptos Farmers Market!

Farmers markets around the country are competing in the 2011 America’s Favorite Farmers Market contest and the Aptos Farmers Market is one of the contestants! There's only one month left for voting, and we’d sure appreciate your vote! If we win, our market will be featured in Epicurious.

Here’s how to vote for the Aptos Farmers Market:

      (1) Go to www.farmland.org/vote
      (2) Type in “Aptos Farmers Market” and
      (3) Click "vote"!

“The America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest is a fun and engaging way for farmers market shoppers to show their pride for their local farmers markets and to directly support their communities,” said Jon Scholl, president of American Farmland Trust. “Farmers markets provide a vital connection from town and city centers to surrounding local farms, supplying fresh and healthy food and an experience that cannot be matched anywhere else.”

USDA Finds in Favor of Grass-Fed Cows

A study by USDA scientists finds that raising cows on grass, instead of in factory farms, produces fewer greenhouse-gas emissions and other pollutants.

By Marian Burros, July 2011 Rodale News, Emmaus, PA

Perhaps a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), entitled “Putting Dairy Cows Out to Pasture—An Environmental Plus,” won’t put an end to the controversy over whether cows raised outdoors on grass are better for the environment than cows raised on grain in confinement. But the USDA’s findings on the matter are all the more remarkable considering that it’s only in recent years that the agency has acknowledged there’s a type of agriculture besides industrial agriculture, and it's called sustainable.

THE DETAILS: Unknown to most of the general public, there have, in fact, been Ag Dept scientists toiling away at experiments that confirm the value of sustainable agriculture, producing reports like “Pecan Growers Boost Revenue by Growing Organically,” and "Organic Cover Crops: More Seeds Means Fewer Weeds.”

Still, the research conducted about dairy cows may be the USDA’s most controversial yet. In fact, both sides continue to argue about which method of raising cattle is better for the environment.

C. Alan Rotz, PhD, an agricultural engineer for the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service at University Park, Pennsylvania, and an adjunct professor at Penn State, was the lead researcher for the dairy cows study. And he says he is “tired of all the criticism” about cows raised on pasture. “There’s a place for grass-fed cows. There’s nothing wrong with grass-based systems, and from an environmental point of view there are a lot of benefits,” he says.

According to the USDA’s Agricultural Research magazine for May/June 2011, Rotz's peer-reviewed study, first published in a research journal in 2009, concludes that “a dairy cow living year-round in the great outdoors may leave a markedly smaller ecological hoofprint than her more sheltered sisters.”

Read full article >

Help Aptos Farmers Market Be America’s Favorite Farmers Market!

American Farmland Trust (AFT) has opened the voting to select "America's Favorite Farmers Markets" at www.farmland.org/vote. The online contest is a nationwide challenge to see which of America's farmers markets can rally the most support from their communities. At the end of the contest on August 31st, one large, medium, small, and boutique sized farmers market will win the title of “America's Favorite Farmers Market” for 2011. Winners will be featured on Epicurious.com, the most award-winning foodsite, and will be honored at local celebrations where they will receive prize packages from American Farmland Trust and its partners.

Farmers markets are a vital link between local farms and their supporting communities, providing fresh and healthy food and an experience that cannot be matched anywhere else. By partnering with farmers market managers, American Farmland Trust is encouraging consumers to consider the importance of farmland and to support local farmers. Market shoppers can cast their vote in support of their region's farmers, community and market.

To vote for Aptos Farmers Market, simply: (1) go to www.farmland.org/vote (2) type in “Aptos Farmers Market” and (3) click “vote”!

Catherine Barr Meets Karen Ross, New Secretary of the California Department
of Food and Agriculture

Monterey County Agricultural Commissioner, Eric Lauritzen, called a special “meet and greet” meeting in May to introduce the new Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Karen Ross. Secretary Ross was appointed in January 2011 by Governor Jerry Brown and has extensive leadership experience in agricultural issues nationally, internationally, and here in California.

Kay and Karen Catherine Barr, Executive Director of the Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets, was invited to meet with Secretary Ross along with representatives from Dole, Ocean Mist, Taylor Farms and others to hear her plan for California's future in farming. Catherine's firm commitment to the integrity of farmers markets caught the attention of the new secretary. Catherine said, “With California’s agricultural budget being cut by $32 million dollars by the end of next year, we have a lot of work we need to do in order to keep our way of life going, not only for our farmers but for our customers as well.”

35th Anniversary Celebration and Summer BBQ Fundraiser Planned for July 23

Enjoy a fun filled day with the whole family! Aptos Farmers Market will be celebrating its 35th Anniversary on Saturday, July 23, starting at 8 am. Commemorative posters featuring our farmers market by local artist Liz Lyons Friedman will be for sale, along with totes and aprons. Liz will be available to autograph posters, too. There will be lots of fun activities for kids, too, including Jimmy-the-Balloon-Man with his balloon creations and a face painting station.

And don’t miss the Farmers Market Summer BBQ with live entertainment from 11 am – 1 pm! Our market chefs, Andrew Cohen and “Papa O” Owen Snyder, will be grilling gourmet burgers that will be served with the market’s signature baked beans, coleslaw and watermelon.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit New Families, a non-profit organization for foster families.

Come on out and enjoy delicious food, great company and have fun while helping out these worthy causes! Tickets will go on sale Saturday, June 25 at the Aptos Farmers Market. Watch for the upcoming email announcement. For more information, contact Catherine Barr at 831.728.5060 or Annaliese Keller at 831.469.8233.

Carmel and Del Monte Farmers Markets Reopen for Season

The Carmel Farmers Market located at the charming Barnyard Shopping Village (Highway 1 and Carmel Valley Road, Carmel) reopens for the season on Tuesday, May 10, 9 am until 1 pm. With over 25 farmers and vendors, this bustling market offers a stunning array of locally grown fresh farm produce and specialty items including pasture raised grass-fed meat, seafood, organic eggs, cut flowers, organic honey, and potted flowering plants.

List of participating farmers and vendors >

The Del Monte Farmers Market reopens on Sunday, May 15, 8 am until noon, at the open air Del Monte Shopping Center (Highway 1 and Munras Avenue, Monterey), next to Whole Foods Market. Festivities will include hot coffee and cake (while supplies last) provided by Whole Foods Market, live music and a Zumba demonstration

“Our customers get the freshest, naturally ripened fruits and vegetables, in addition to local honey, farm fresh eggs, seafood, shellfish, pasture raised beef, mushrooms, artisan cheese, fresh baked breads, flowers, herbs, trees, and bedding plants, directly from the producer,” says Catherine.

Customers enjoy the relaxed and friendly ambiance of this easy-paced Sunday morning farmers market. With over 25 farmers and vendors, this market offers a bountiful array of locally grown produce and specialty items including farm fresh organic eggs, honey, fresh seafood, cut flowers, potted plants, seedlings, and fresh baked goods.

List of participating farmers and vendors >

And the Winner Is…

Local Aptos artist, Liz Lyons-Friedman is the winner of our 35th Anniversary commemorative poster contest. Her striking and vibrantly colorful print captures the spirit of the farmers market in every detail!

These collectable posters will be for sale at our 35th Anniversary Celebration planned for Saturday, July 23 at the Aptos Farmers Market, as well as for sale online after the event.

Meet Liz Lyons-Friedman
Liz Lyons-Friedman was born in Buffalo, New York where she studied art earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in printmaking from Daemen College and a Masters egree in art from the state university of New York at Buffalo.

Exhibiting since the seventies, Liz's work has been shown and sold in galleries in Buffalo, San Francisco, Carmel, Capitola and Los Angeles. Her works have been accepted in juried exhibitions in Arizona, Colorado, California, New Mexico, and New York.

Liz's artwork has been chosen for posters, book covers and numerous publications, including commemorative posters for the Sausalito Art Festival, the Capitola Begonia Festival and the Capitola Art & Wine Festival. Liz's artwork can be found in both corporate and private collections throughout the United States and Canada.

Last year, Liz created the 25th Anniversary Santa Cruz County Open Studios commemorative poster. She has been a participant in the annual Open Studios sponsored by the Santa Cruz County Cultural Council since its inception in 1986.

If you'd like to see more of Liz's work, her studio is open by appointment only (call 831.662.0343). Also, be sure to visit her website for more information and to see her online galleries.

Aptos Farmers Market Voted BEST Farmers Market in SCC

Thank you to all who voted our Aptos Farmers Market BEST in the annual 2011 Good Times readers poll for “Best of Santa Cruz County.”

“We truly love what we do – and it’s very heartwarming that our Saturday morning farmers market community is such a meaningful part of so many lives each week. This year marks our 35th anniversary and that's an impressive run!” Catherine Barr, executive director of the MBCFM family of markets since 1993.

Toyota Farm to Table Tour Arrives at Aptos Farmers Market April 9

The Toyota Farm to Table Tour is making its way around the country and visiting the Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College on April 9, from 8 am until noon, to showcase the thriving culinary scene on the Central Coast and celebrate the connection between farmers markets and the communities they serve.

Twelve of the area's top chefs will be paired with market farmers to highlight the best of the market's fresh local produce and products. The chefs will prepare complimentary tastings using their partner farm's locally grown ingredients for visitors to sample. The chef line up includes Jamie Smith (Executive Market Chef), Elizabeth Bourget (Gourmet to Go), Udo Prambs (French Culinary Institute), Hans Haveman (H & H Fresh Fish Company), Stephany Buswell (Wedding Stop and Cake Shoppe), Andrea Mollenauer (Lifestyle Culinary Arts), Lionel Le Morvan (Ma Maison Restaurant), Kevin Koebel (Rogue Chefs), and Paul Magill (personal chef), Owen Snyder (Papa O's Catering), and Derek Rupp (Pleasure Pizza).

In addition to the culinary delights, visitors will have the opportunity to receive complimentary potted culinary herbs and experience Toyota's extensive line of fuel- efficient hybrid vehicles. Attendees can preview the all-new Prius V as well as test drive the 2011 Prius, Camry Hybrid and Highlander Hybrid, which are currently on sale at dealerships. Those who take part in a test drive will take home a signature John Boos cutting board as a memento of the experience.

Mark Your Calendars for Kids’ Art at the Market Workshop on May 7

logo On Saturday, May 7, expect to see some happy children at the Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College. The Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County, together with the Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College, is bringing a special SPECTRA Arts Learning Workshop to the market. Led by SPECTRA teaching artists Susana Terrell and Kathryn Weeks-Griffin, children will create original art to honor both Mothers Day and the Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College's 35th Anniversary.

The two free 45-minute sessions are suitable for children ages 6 to 12 years of age, and will occur at 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Art supplies and light refreshments will be provided. Children should wear clothing appropriate to creating art. Space is limited – please come early to sign up.

fish Kids' Art at the Market will give adults and children an opportunity to experience art in a wonderful community environment. Families are invited to bring their children to the Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College on Saturday, May 7th, for a creatively exciting art experience.

Exciting New Market Programs for 2011

Live and Local with Michael Olson, Health and Wellness columns by Dr. Jeff Lester, and the new From Market to Table Culinary Café with Chef Jamie Smith, the new Executive Market Chef for MBCFM.

Live and Local with Michael Olson
KSCO’s Live and Local edition of Food Chain Radio will be broadcasted live from the Aptos Farmers Market featuring host Michael Olson, an award winning broadcast personality, author, and speaker. He has appeared on and/or hosted more than 1,000 TV and radio shows, written award-winning books, and has been published and quoted in hundreds of articles in magazines, newspapers and websites. The first Live and Local program will be May 28.

Health and Wellness
We also welcome Dr. Jeff Lester, who will be writing our website Health and Wellness column. His inspirational articles will help you reach vibrant health through sensible nutrition and healthy living guidelines. Dr. Lester is a local physician who practices integrative medicine, a holistic and natural approach to health care that encompasses body, mind, and spirit.

From Market to Table Culinary Café
We are also proud to welcome Chef Jamie Smith as our new Executive Market Chef and Culinary Program Coordinator for our cooking demonstration program, From Market to Table Culinary Café. Jamie is also the Santa Cruz Schools executive chef, and is transitioning schools from premade processed choices to more wholesome, made-from-scratch-based menus and dishes made with fresh locally sourced ingredients. From Market to Table cooking demonstrations will begin May 14.

Can You Dig it–Master Gardeners
Can You Dig It is back! On April 16, Jerold O’Brien, founder and winemaker of Silver Mountain Winery, will be the featured guest speaker and will present “Discovering the Certified Organic Vineyards of the Santa Cruz Mountains.” Jerold will discuss “going green” in wine production and how he set out to show that California could produce wine as good as that from France while using organic growing techniques.

Toyota Farm to Table Tour at Aptos Farmers Market April 9

The Aptos Farmers’ Market, one of the top 10 farmers markets in California, and the flagship of the Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets, will host the Toyota Farm to Table Tour on Saturday, April 9 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Now in its third year, the Toyota Farm to Table Tour brings together notable local chefs and farmers to showcase the vital connection between farmers, farmers’ markets, chefs, and the communities they serve. During the event, a dozen top Santa Cruz County chefs will prepare thousands of complimentary bite-sized tastings featuring fresh, local ingredients. This event will provide market visitors a great opportunity to learn more about the market, its specialty farmers and vendors, chefs, and ways to eat and shop locally. In addition, guests will have the opportunity to experience Toyota’s newest hybrid vehicles.

“The Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets is delighted to partner with Toyota in their Farm to Table Tour,” said Catherine Barr, the market manager for over 18 years and the executive director of the organization that is celebrating its 35th anniversary. “The Tour highlights what we are all about: appreciation of our local farmers, locally grown produce, fine food, and community. This event will be one of the highlights of the year for the Aptos Farmers’ Market and our community.”

Some of Santa Cruz County’s top chefs participating in this year’s event at the Aptos Farmers’ Market include:

Jamie Smith – Executive Market Chef, MBCFM
Tomm Johnson – Culinary Secrets with Chef Tomm
Udo Prambs – Professional Culinary Institute of California
Kevin Koebel – Rogue Chefs
Lionel Le Morvan – Ma Maison Restaurant
Stephany Buswell – The Wedding Stop & Cake Shoppe
Elizabeth Bourget – Gourmet To Go
Hans C. Haveman – H & H Fresh Fish Co., Inc.
Andrea Mollenauer – Lifestyle Culinary Arts
Derek Rupp – Pleasure Pizza
Owen Snyder – Papa O’s
Paul Magill – Personal Chef

A complete list of participating chefs and the demonstration schedule will be posted closer to the event date at: www.farmtotabletour.com.

farm “Santa Cruz is a perfect partner for the Farm to Table Tour. We have extraordinary chefs, farmers, butchers, bakers and culinary artisans participating in the Aptos Farmers’ Market, and we are thrilled to have Toyota showcase our community’s commitment to buy fresh, buy local, and conserve resources,” said Chef Jamie Smith, food service director for Santa Cruz City Schools and Executive Market Chef for MBCFM.

First look at the newest addition to the Prius family – The Prius v
The Farm to Table Tour will also give market visitors a fresh look at Toyota’s extensive line of fuel-efficient, hybrid vehicles, including the newest addition to the Prius family—the Prius v—which will go on sale later this year. Attendees looking for a vehicle that complements their lifestyle will be able to preview the all-new Prius v as well as test drive the 2011 Prius, Camry Hybrid and Highlander Hybrid, which are currently on sale at dealerships. Those who take part in a test drive will take home a signature John Boos cutting board as a memento of the experience.

tent “For the third year in a row, the Toyota Farm to Table Tour is helping us connect with local communities while drawing attention to the importance of farmers’ markets and eating locally,” said Keith Dahl, Toyota National Manager of Engagement Marketing. “This tour lets us celebrate our customer’s passion for environmental stewardship and showcase our fuel-efficient, hybrid vehicles. Whether it’s young families looking to increase cargo space, or city drivers interested in the latest plug-in technology, there is a Prius for everyone and the Farm to Table Tour is giving farmers’ market shoppers the first chance to see our newest technology in action.”

In addition to the free tastings and test drives, visitors who participate in the day’s activities can select a complimentary potted culinary herb plant from the Toyota Mobile Garden. A specialist will be on hand to individually pot the plants and answer general questions about gardening. All herb plants are sourced from local vendors at the market.

To learn more about the Tour, visit www.farmtotabletour.com.

Seeking Poster Artist for Farmers Market

The Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets is seeking a local artist (Monterey Bay area) to produce a colorful work of art that will serve as our official poster to commemorate our 35th anniversary. Our anniversary celebration and festivities will be Saturday, July 23 at the Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College.

The Theme
Our theme is "Celebrating 35 years of supporting California's family farms." We'd like the artwork to reflect the not only the beauty of the fresh flowers and bounty of produce at the farmers market, but also capture the vibrant, friendly spirit of this special “urban village.”

Accepted Mediums
Preferred mediums are paint, watercolor, or chalk. The finished poster will measure 18” by 24" (vertical). Artwork submitted should be slightly smaller than this size and submitted without lettering. Graphics for the poster will be completed by MBCFM’s marketing and graphic team.

Where to Submit Artwork
Interested artists should bring their finished artwork to the Aptos Farmers Market located at Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Drive, on Saturday, April 23 between the hours of 7:30 am and 11:30 am. Winner will be announced the following week.

The Grand Prize
The selected poster artist will receive a $250 honorarium for the use of the artwork. The artist will also receive 25 copies of the poster. The image chosen will be used on the poster, handbills, postcards and other merchandise.

For more information
Please contact Annaliese Keller, MBCFM director of marketing, 831.469.8233 or akeller@montereybayfarmers.org. Artists interested in painting at the Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College should contact Catherine Barr, Executive Director, at cbarr@montereybayfarmers.org.

Malabar Trading Company in the Winner's Circle at National Tea Competition

Malabar Trading Company’s Kashmiri Chai placed third in the prestigious North American Tea Championship (formerly the World Tea Championship). More than 200 teas were entered into 15 different categories, professionally evaluated and ranked on a 100–point scale to determine the highest quality and best tasting teas commercially available in the marketplace.

Judges of the North American Tea Championship included:

Eliot Jordan, Peet's Coffee & Tea
Jane Pettigrew, internationally-renowned tea expert
Mike Spillane, G.S. Haly Company
David Walker, a prominent tea taster and tea expert
Marty Kushner, past president of Southern Tea Company and the Tea Association of the USA and current co-chair of the Tea Association's Tea and Health Committee

“We’re very honored to receive this award and delighted to represent our local community in the tea world. Above all, we're very grateful to our customers who have encouraged and supported us over the past 8 years at the Aptos Farmers Market. They've been a big part of our product development process.”

Stop by to see Annaliese and Mike Keller at the Saturday Aptos Farmers Market for a taste!

Malabar Trading Company is a vendor at the Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College on Saturdays, 8am - 12pm. Chai products can also be purchased at Dave's Gourmet Albacore outlet (behind Costco) at 310 A Coral Street, Santa Cruz.

Farmers in the News

Know Your Produce – Firm Offers Way to Trace Food's Roots
By Lane Wallace, Monterey County Herald

Featuring: Old Creek Ranch

Read article >

Cheese Please – Meet Monterey County's Only Homesteaders
By David Schmalz, Monterey County Weekly

Featuring: Schoch Family Farmstead and Garden Variety Cheese

Read article >

Organic Conference A Call to Farms
By Tom Karwin, Monterey County Herald

Featuring: Monkeyflower Ranch (Garden Variety Cheese) and Windmill Farms

Read article >

MBCFM Marks its 35th Anniversary!

Founded in 1976, the Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets are the oldest and largest certified farmers markets on the Central Coast. The Aptos market is in the top 10 farmers markets in the state.

Certified farmers markets have been assisting small family farms by giving California farmers the opportunity to sell directly to the consumer at fair market value. As a certified market, the consumer can be assured that they are buying genuine California-grown produce, not fruit or vegetables picked under-ripe and shipped thousands of miles.

“We’re a certified organization, meaning our farmers are certified with the state and sell only products they grow themselves,” says Catherine Barr, the market manager for over 18 years and who now serves as the executive director.

“We’ve come a long way, baby, from our humble beginnings,” Catherine laughs. “The original farmers market was organized by four farmers: Nick Pasqual, Manuel Netto, Bob Harris and Jerry Thomas and was held at Live Oak School. Some of the original farmers are still with us. Manuel Netto will be back at the market come May 2011, with his fresh corn and peppers. Bob Harris still sells eggs at the markets. Jerry Thomas has ‘passed the baton’ to his son, Josh. Nick Pasqual, at the age of 94, decided to retire. Nick is still in our hearts and is enjoying retirement.”

The Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets family has grown to include four farmers markets and boast over 80 vendors, with two markets operating year-round.

Details about the upcoming 35th Anniversary and festivities will be announced next month.

New Market Programs Announced for 2011

Can You Dig It! returns to the Aptos market this spring, hosted by Monterey Bay Master Gardeners.

Can You Dig It! is the popular garden workshop series taught by Master Gardeners certified by the UC Cooperative Extension Master Gardener program.

Educators, authors, gardening artists and home gardeners will be giving hands-on demonstrations and workshops throughout the year. Upcoming workshops will include :

“The Wild World of Frogs,” presentation by Dr. Kerry M. Kriger, SAVE THE FROGS! Founder, Executive Director and Ecologist (see www.savethefrogs.com)
Shelly Trabucco of Nest Egg Gardens, who is a guru on the subject of succulents and design of garden art using succulents and “throw away” things (see www.nestegggardens.com)
Learn how to “grow your own” using plant propagation methods
Explore what you need to know about raising healthy hens in your own backyard
Pique Assiette workshop – make a beautiful mosaic piece for your garden or lure your children away from the TV with this fun project
Learn the art of creating floral arrangements from whatever you have in your garden – no matter what the season using ordinary household bric-a-brac

…. and many other garden-centric themes!

The garden workshops will start this spring and continue through the fall on the third Saturday of each month, starting March 19 at 9 am. Look for upcoming details in February newsletter!

From Raviolis to Spreads, Pensi Pasta’s Evette Lecce Knows How to Deploy the Seasonal Squash – By Gabriel Skvor

It is only fitting that Evette Lecce, owner of Pensi Pasta, grew up on Monterey’s Spaghetti Hill. By now she has been in business for 13 years as one of only a handful of local producers—Pasta Palate in Carmel and the Monterey Pasta Company among them—despite the fact that, for the most part, Pensi Pasta has been a shoestring operation.

The arriving seasonal surge helps her not just survive, but thrive.

“Just before the holidays I have Italian families come in with fillings for me to make them ravioli,” she says. “They have me make about 50-60 pounds of ravioli, that they freeze so it will last them the whole year. They won’t buy the ravioli with my fillings, because they only trust their families' recipes.”

Maybe those families should reconsider. Lecce’s recipes, like the one for her meat ravioli, were handed down from her great-grandmother, who came to the U.S. from Italy. As a little girl, Lecce would watch her great-grandmother Emilia make food during trips to her home on Lombard Street in San Francisco. For holidays the entire family would gather at the house to make ravioli, gnocchi and a range of sauces by hand. Lecce remembers how most of the flat spaces in the house, like the beds and tables, would be covered with drying pasta and freshly pressed ravioli, an operation that would take the family a better part of a day.

As a teenager Lecce followed her grandmother Eva around the kitchen while being instructed in the art of making those same traditional Italian dishes and foods from scratch—and from memory. This cook-by-feel method is the same Lecce uses today, adding a bit here and there to batches of sauces, spreads and dips until they taste just right. Items like her clam sauce, lemon cream sauce and pomegranate salsa are all handmade in her Marina shop without preservatives.

Wanda Straw, general manager of Big Sur’s Sierra Mar restaurant, is familiar with Pensi’s playbook. “She was the first person in the area to make pasta on the artisan level,” Straw says. “She’s the best game in town.”

Read full article >

Shop Local at the Farmers Market This Holiday Season!

Whether you’re doing your regular weekly shopping, preparing a special holiday dinner for family and friends or shopping for locally made food gifts to send to friends, our farmers market is the place to shop. Who needs a crowded mall with congested parking lots? Enjoy a leisurely stroll around our open-air market, relax and chat with friends over a cup of coffee or tea, and have your knives sharpened while you shop.

The farmers market offers an exceptional variety of artisanal gifts, from local honey, fresh fruits, farmstead cheeses, condiments, preserves, dried fruits and nuts, and olive oils to smoked turkeys and sausages! Fresh flowers, holiday wreaths, and plants are abundant, and our farmers offer the best in seasonal produce.

The annual Home and Hearth Holiday Fair continues through December 18 at the Aptos Farmers Market. Ancient Hands Tiles, Copper Moon Apothecary, Dharma Love. Jenny Wren Designs, Gypsy Designs, Kauri Creations, and Trellis and Vine Jewelry will be our featured artisans and will be located on the lower level.

Did you know that many of our vendors offer beautiful gift baskets, gift cards and mailing services? Here's a list of vendors to contact if you would like to have a gift sent!

B & R Farms
Belle Farms
Cole Canyon Farm
Corralitos Market and Sausage Company (telephone only)
Dave's Gourmet Albacore and Seafood
Delreal Dates
H & H Fresh Fish Company
Malabar Trading Company
Minazzoli Farms
Old Creek Ranch
Prevedelli Farms
Silva’s Apple Orchards
Valencia Creek Farms

Contact information for above vendors >

MBCFM VENDOR QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

Winter Produce for Fabulous Feasts
Bar-D Ranch, Blue Heron Farm, Bradburn Farms, Brokaw Nursery, Cortez Farm, Four Sisters Farm, Globe Produce, K T Farm, Mello-Dy Ranch, F & J Minazzoli Farms, Nagamine Nursery, Netto Farm, Old Creek Ranch, Phil Foster Ranches, Prevedelli Farms, Route 1 Farms, Silva Apple Orchards, Stackhouse Brothers, Schletewitz Family Farm, Swanton Berry Farm, T & L Coke Farm, Thomas Farm, Webb’s Organic Farm, Windmill Farm

Asian Specialty Vegetables and Fruits
K T Farm

Beeswax Candles
Amen Bee

Baked Goods and Take-Home Entrées
Sweet Elena's Bakery, Catering Magik, Pensi Pasta, Zena Foods

Bread, Rolls, and Pita
Catering Magik, Golden Sheaf, Zena Foods

California Steamers, Ceramic Dinnerware, Platters, French Butter Cups
Parrot Ranch Pottery

Chocolate Covered Fruits, Nuts, Nut Brittle
B & R Farms, F & J Minazzoli, Amen Bee

Cheese
Schoch Family Farmstead, Garden Variety Cheese

Coffee, Fresh Brewed and Roasted Coffee Beans
Three Americas

Cut Fresh and Dried Flowers, Table Arrangements
Astone Protea, Bob-the-Bulb Baron, Gatanaga Nursery, Thomas Farm, Tashiro Nursery, Valenica Creek Farm, Webb’s Organic Farm

Dried Fruits, Nuts, Flavored Nuts
B & R Farms, F & J Minazzoli Farms, Delreal Dates, Gibson Farm, Stackhouse Brothers, Schletewitz Family Farm

Dips and Fresh Condiments
Pensi Pasta, Zena Foods

Farm Fresh Eggs
T & L Coke Farm, Mello-Dy Ranch, Davis Poultry

Fresh Seafood, Gourmet Canned Fish, Soups and Crab Cakes
H & H Fresh Fish Company, La Marea of the Sea, Dave’s Gourmet Albacore

Fresh Herbs
K T Farm, Nagamine Nursery, Route 1 Farms, T & L Coke Farm

Fresh Pasta, Gluten Free Pasta, Gnocchi and Raviolis
Pensi Pasta

Herb Baskets, Wreaths, Holiday Greenery, Topiaries,
Orchids and Plants for Holiday Décor
Astone's Protea, Cavanaugh Color, C E Farm, Cole Canyon, McLellan Botanicals, McCahon Floral, Pacific Rare Plant Nursery, Rocket Farms, Thomas Farm, Webb Farms

Honey, Honey Brittle, and Honey Mustard
Amen Bee

Meat and Sausages
Old Creek Ranch, Tassajara Natural Meats, Corralitos Market and Sausage Company

Mushrooms
New Natives

Nuts
F & J Minazzoli, Stackhouse Brothers, Gibson Farms

Olive Oil
Belle Farms, Valencia Creek Farm

Pastries and Desserts
Sweet Elena's Bakery, Catering Magik

Preserves, Jams, Mustard, Condiments and Flavored Vinegar
Amen Bee, B & R Farms, F & J Minazzoli, Malabar Trading Company, Mello-Dy Ranch, Old Creek Farm, Prevedelli Farm, Swanton Berry Farm

Sauerkraut
Farmhouse Culture

Sprouts, Microgreens, Wheat Grass, Specialty Greens
New Natives, Blue Heron Farm, Four Sisters Farm, K T Farm

Sharpening Services and Knives
Sharp Quick

Snacks at the Market
Lily's Roasted Corn, Catering Magik, La Marea of the Sea, Sweet Elena's Bakery

Tea, Tisanes, Mulling Spices, Chai
Malabar Trading Company

Turkeys (Fresh and Smoked)
Corralitos Market and Sausage Company (call 831-722-2633 to order)

MBCFM Donates Over 1200 pounds of Food to Second Harvest Food Bank

Thank you to all who braved the heavy rains to make a donation for the food drive sponsored by the Aptos Farmers Market to benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank.

Hunger on the Central Coast is everybody's concern. In Santa Cruz County, high costs of living and decreasing annual household wages force working poor families to stretch dollars even farther to feed their families. According to the 2010 Hunger Study, many local families live with the daily reality of hunger: many households served by Second Harvest now have a monthly income under $500. 45% of Second Harvest clients are children.

Get Involved
Second Harvest Food Bank needs volunteers! Without the help of volunteers, many families in Santa Cruz County would go hungry. Volunteers make a real difference in the lives of so many – and they have fun doing it! Last year over 3,200 volunteers contributed the service-equivalent of more than 20 full-time employees.

For more information about volunteer opportunities, go to the Second Harvest Food Bank website.

Home and Hearth Holiday Fair Begins November 20

Join us for our 6th Annual Home and Hearth Holiday Fair that will be each Saturday from November 20 through December 18. Many of our farmers and vendors offer a wide selection of handmade, farm-fresh artisan products that make delicious gifts for friends and relatives that are sure to be enjoyed.

In addition, local artisans will be participating in the holiday fair and will be located on the lower level of the market. This year, Ancient Hands Tiles, Copper Moon Apothecary, Dharma Love Designs, Jenny Wren Designs, Gypsy Design, Kauri Creations, and Trellis and Vine Jewelry will be our featured artisans.

Saturdays, November 20 – December 18
8 am – Noon

Farmhouse Culture Featured in New York Times Magazine

If you haven’t tried Kathryn Lukas’ sauerkraut, do so now and discover what the fuss is all about. If you missed her sauerkraut demo in October at the farmers market, there’s another class at the Farmhouse Culture kitchen on Saturday, November 18. Sign up early.

The New York Times Magazine attended the recent Eat Real Festival that featured many local food crafters, including our own Farmhouse Culture’s owner, Kathryn Lukas.

The Eat Real Festival in Oakland was founded by Anya Fernald in 2008 and is a combination of “a state fair, a street-food festival, and a block party to create a celebration of good food. At the Eat Real Festival, participants learn where food comes from, who grows and makes it, and how they make it.”

Eat Real’s mission is to help revitalize regional food systems, build public awareness of and respect for the craft of making good food and to encourage the growth of American food entrepreneurs.

See the New York Times Magazine photos.

Congratulations to Winners of the Annual Harvest Fair Apple Pie Contest

Thanks to everyone who entered the annual Harvest Fair Apple Pie Baking contest. This year, in spite of our drizzly, cool morning, contestants arrived with freshly baked apple pies, including a few still warm from the oven! Catherine Barr and Kay Gatanaga welcomed participants and prepared the entries for the three judges.

After a half hour of tasting almost two dozen entries, the judges
declared the following winners:

In the Adult Division, the winners were:

First place, Eileen Poppleton with Apple Pie by Grandma Ople

Second place, April Kofler with Dutch Apple Pie

Third place, Annaliese Keller with Sour Cream Apple Pie

In the Junior Division, the winners were:

First place, Chaise Lathrop with Junior's Ultimate Apple Pie

Second place, Myles Remde with Grandma's Apple Pie (no recipe provided)

Memorable Farm Dinner Benefit for Ken Kimes a Grand Success!

The farm dinner benefit for Ken Kimes was not only a lot of fun for everyone, but a grand success, thanks to all those who contributed so generously to this special event. Guests included many of our market customers, farmers and vendors as well as the local team of fireman who saved Ken’s life.

At the Corralitos farmhouse of the Barr Family, tables were arranged under a majestic, century old magnolia tree and set with festive summer flower bouquets arranged by Peter Barr. The Farmers Market String Band was in full swing when guests started to arrive. Bill “the Oyster Man,” greeted folks with hugs and smiles, and of course, serving raw oysters and a bevy of his signature condiments. Judy Nagamine and Clare Uhler passed scrumptious hot appetizers. About 5 pm, Ken and Sandra arrived and were welcomed with cheers – well-wishers gathered around them eager to simply say hello and give Ken a heartfelt “welcome back.”

Chefs Andrew Cohen and Owen Snyder served as grill masters for the evening, serving up perfectly cooked marinated steaks (donated by Corralitos Market) and yellow-fin tuna (thanks to Dave’s Gourmet Albacore). Catherine Barr and Annaliese Keller prepared side dishes of au gratin potatoes, baked beans and tossed garden salad (vegetables provided by Judy Nagamine) with a choice of homemade salad dressings. Vegetarian entrées, eggplant Parmesan and wild mushroom stuffed polenta, were prepared by Owen Snyder and Annaliese Keller. Several cases of excellent wines were donated by the Alfaro family and Ozzie Parnianfar (Ozzie’s Orchids). Fresh strawberries (courtesy Windmill Farms) were served with a delicious cake made by Jeanne Loe of Catering Magik.

As the sun began to set, hanging lanterns in the tree were lit and cast a soft light on the smiling faces of grateful friends and family gathered around Ken and Sandra. This joyful Sunday supper signified not only a “welcome back” to Ken, but also what it means to be a part of a community that truly cares.

We wish to thank all of the following that
helped make the dinner a success:

Alfaro Vineyard
Bar-D Ranch
Belle Farms
Bill “the Oyster Man” Callahan
Catering Magik
Chef Andrew Cohen
Chef Owen “Papa O” and Cheryl Snyder
Corralitos Market and Sausage Company
Cynthia Jordan (umbrellas…)
Dave’s Gourmet Albacore
Farmers Market String Band
Gatanaga Nursery
Golden Sheaf
Malabar Trading Company
Nagamine Nursery
Ozzie Parnianfar
Pensi Pasta
The Barr Family (sisters and brothers, too!)
The Farmers Market String Band
VFW
Windmill Farms

View more photos of the event >>

Annual Harvest Festival, Apple Pie Baking Contest and Sauerkraut Making Demo!

Celebrate the fall bounty of our harvest at the Aptos Farmers Market, Saturday, October 16. Fun for the entire family! Bake and enter your best pie for the Apple Pie Baking Contest, learn about the rich local history with special exhibits from the Agricultural History Project, and watch a demonstration about making homemade sauerkraut!

Phil Foster (Pinnacle) will have plenty of pumpkins available at his annual market pumpkin patch – come by and choose your Halloween jack-o-lantern.

Apple Pie Baking Contest
Fresh fall apples are abundant at our markets. Who doesn't love a warm apple pie? Enter your best, homemade apple pie in our baking contest! Prizes will be awarded to winners in Junior and Adult divisions. Entries must be turned in at the judging table no later than 9 am with a written recipe. Winners will be announced by 11 am. Winning recipes will be posted on our web site.

Download entry form with official contest rules >>

Sauerkraut Demonstration
Just in time for Oktoberfest, Kathryn Lukas, owner of Farmhouse Culture, will be demonstrating how to make homemade sauerkraut from 9:30 until 10:30 am. Explore the history, science and health benefits of this amazing super food. With a little knowledge and a few simple ingredients, you too can produce tasty pro-biotic fermented foods in your own kitchen!

Food Safety Modernization Act (S. 510) Heading for the Senate Floor

An action alert on the OFRF site re S. 510 sent out by the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. S. 510 could go to the Senate floor any day.

People are urged to call their senators to support the Tester amendment. This is an amendment sponsored by Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) that “would exempt small farm and small food processing facilities as well as small and mid-sized farmers who primarily direct market their products to consumers, stores or restaurants within their region.” The inclusion of the Tester language would make the S. 510 bill acceptable to OFRF and the NSAC.

Action Alert: Food Safety Legislation Must Protect Family Farmers
The Food Safety Modernization Act (S. 510) will be discussed in the Senate any day now. The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) is urging people to call their senators in support of the “Tester amendment” to avoid serious harm to family farms and the emergence of local and regional food systems.

According to the NSAC, S.510 would “considerably ramp up FDA regulation on farms that even minimally process their crops and sell them to restaurants, food coops, groceries, schools and wholesalers. An amendment sponsored by Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) would exempt small farm and small food processing facilities as well as small and mid-sized farmers who primarily direct market their products to consumers, stores or restaurants within their region.”

Read more about what is contained in this bill, and action you can take to support the Tester amendment.

Ken Kimes Seriously Injured in Farming Accident

On the second day home from the hospital, Ken taped a chopstick to his forearm and began to answer emails.

As most of us enjoy our glorious mornings at the farmers markets and feasting our eyes on the tables overflowing with fruits and veggies, buckets full of colorful flowers and enjoying short visits with local farmers, it’s hard to imagine the perils of farming and life-changing accidents.

Two weeks ago, Ken Kimes, owner of New Natives, lost his right hand while operating farm equipment. His left hand was also injured. Ken was airlifted to a San Jose hospital where he underwent emergency surgery to amputate part of his arm and a few days later, another surgery for reconstruction and repair of his left hand. Ken was in the hospital for a week, and returned home this past week to his farm and the loving care of his wife, Sandra, to recuperate.

In the undaunted, “Kenny Spirit” as we’re beginning to call it, Ken is raring to get back to work. However, his recent accident is something he hopes other farmers will learn from and take to heart. “This is the kind of thing where you think it just can’t happen and then it happened so fast, it was unbelievable how quick it happened – it was just seconds. Farming is a dangerous occupation and there are a lot of open moving parts [with farm equipment],” Ken said.

Ken and his wife, Sandra, have been organic farmers for over 25 years. Together they founded New Natives, a sprout and wheatgrass farm in Corralitos, CA in 1983. In addition to managing their farm, they are both active and dedicated to several local agricultural organizations. Ken serves on the board of the Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets. He’s active in Community Alliance of Family Farmers organization (CAFF) and serves as an advisor to the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County.

Benefit Farm Dinner – Sunday, September 19
Ken and Sandra are facing new challenges with his recovery and medical bills. Catherine Barr said, “We want to help make it possible for Ken to return to farming as soon as possible.”

The Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Market is hosting a farm dinner to benefit Ken and Sandra at the home of Catherine and John Barr, on Sunday, September 19 at 4:30 pm. Tickets for dinner will be for sale at the farmers markets in the coming weeks. More information about this event will follow in special announcement. Please call Catherine Barr at (831) 728-5060.

How You Can Help
A special medical fund has been set up and donations for Ken and Sandra would be deeply appreciated. Please send your donations to:

Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Market
PO Box 955,
Freedom, CA 95019

Please make checks payable to “Ken Kimes Medical Fund.”

Alternately, stop by the Aptos Farmers Market on Saturdays and drop off your check with Market Manager, Catherine Barr or Kay Gatanaga, her assistant.

VIDEO: KION story and video about Ken:
http://www.kionrightnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=13070936

Michael Olson, Author and Champion of Urban Farming, to Speak on September 4 at Aptos Farmer Market

By Patti Bond — Michael Olson is on a crusade to promote urban small-acreage farming. His book, re-released in July, 2010, MetroFarm: The Guide to Growing for Profit In or Near the City (www.metrofarm.com) is a practical, step-by-step guide to creating a successful farming business.

Olson will be speaking at the Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College on Saturday, September 4 at 9 am as part of a book to tour to promote his book. “I will applaud the people who shop at farmers markets; they play an important role in creating vital local economies and sustainable food systems,” he said. “I advocate a ‘two by two campaign’: eat at least two dollars of locally-produced foods each day and encourage two people to do the same.” Once people catch on to fresh, local foods, they naturally buy more, and the movement grows, he explains. “Many Santa Cruz folks are way ahead of the curve, and that’s great!”

One of his inspirations for MetroFarm was Jeff Larkey of Route 1 Farms. Jeff and three other brave souls started an “apartment farm” named Pogonip Farm just a few blocks from downtown Santa Cruz in the 1980s. Jeff was one of the early participants in the Monterey Bay Farmers Markets.

When asked what has changed since his book was first published in 1994 he replied: “Then the idea of farming in or near the city, for the city, urban micro-acreage farming was heresy! ‘Get big or get out!’ was the prevailing ethos. Today there is much greater acceptance and support for local farming, buying local food, backyard farms, and urban farming in general.”

Olson's background in agriculture extends back to his childhood on a Montana farm, and includes the commercial production of beans, garlic, hay, livestock, oats, shallots, strawberries, wheat, wine grapes and more. Olson consults on ag-related projects throughout the world, including projects in Australia, Cyprus, Egypt, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru (Amazon), Scotland as well as the United States. He is General Manager of local radio stations KSCO & KOMY and is host of the nationally syndicated “Food Chain Radio Show.” He also authored a new WWII history book entitled Tales from a Tin Can (www.tincan.us).

Olson is a powerful and entertaining speaker; don't miss his inspiring presentation at the Aptos Farmers Market on Saturday, September 4 at 9:00 a.m.

Annual Iris Rhizome Sale is August 14

The Monterey Bay Iris Society is having its annual iris rhizome sale at the Aptos Farmers Market on August 14 from 8 am until noon. This is your chance to get some beautiful healthy iris rhizomes from the private gardens of the members of the Monterey Bay Iris Society. The sale is renown for its incredible selection of tall bearded iris. There will also be a good selection of re-blooming iris and historic iris. The rhizomes are $3.00 each or 4 for $10.00.

Expert iris growers will be on hand to help you with your selection and will have free printed handouts about how to grow iris. Since we have to ration our water in the Santa Cruz area, iris are a good choice for our gardens because they are drought tolerant. They bloom in the spring and need very little water in the summer. For best selection, arrive early. If you can't make the sale, you can call Brenda Wood at 831.818.4515 to place an order.

Proceeds from the sale will benefit Cabrillo College Horticulture Department.

Del Real Dates Featured on Menu of Prestigious Per Se Restaurant in New York

By Andrew Cohen — I want to tip my chef’s hat to our market vendor, Raymond Del Real of Del Real Dates. I am in the habit of checking out menus from big name restaurants on-line to keep up with what is going on out there in the big world, and I always check the menus for Thomas Keller’s French Laundry and Per Se, as well as Chez Panisse. I was really pleased to see Del Real Dates on the vegetarian menu for Per Se! This is a big deal in the world of cuisine. These restaurants are extremely particular in the ingredients they choose, and always purchase the very best they can buy. If you aren’t familiar with Del Real Dates, make it a point to stop by their booth at the Aptos Farmers Market on Saturdays, or the MPC Farmers Market on Fridays to learn more about this exotic fruit and try a sample!

New Hours and Day for MPC Farmers Market

Beginning Friday, August 6, the new day and hours for the MPC Farmers Market will be Fridays, from 10 am until 2 pm. “After 34 years of the same day and hours at this location, this is a big change for our market customers,” says Catherine Barr. “With the significant increase in the number of students and folks returning to school for retraining, there wasn’t enough parking to handle the increased student load and the farmers market on Thursdays.”

Signs will be posted—and please pass on the word!