The PTFM Weblog intends to host thoughtful contributions and invite vibrant discussion on issues surrounding the market and the local agricultural economy. While we develop the mechanics of this portion of the site, feel free to let us know what you would like to see in the future. Also, please remember that views expressed in the weblog represent individual opinions and are not necessarily the views of the PTFM.

2/1/07 posted by Matt Sircely

The Leader ran a feature this week on Red Dog Farm, the exciting new operation in Chimacum pioneered by PTFM Board Member Karyn Williams.

1/10/07 posted by Matt Sircely

Allison Arthur at the Leader wrote a wonderful feature about Anca Hasson's Pastry Design business:

A one-woman bakery, from Romania to PT

By Allison Arthur

Anca Hasson started experimenting with melting sugar when she was a girl growing up in Romania. She remembers rations of a half a kilogram - about a pound - of sugar per person a month. And the only nuts available were walnuts from local trees.

Today Hasson owns her own wholesale bakery business, Pastry Design by Anca.

It's a one-woman show, and she's just finished her first successful season with the Port Townsend Farmers Market, where she routinely sold out of baked goods such as pecan toscas, almond croissants and nut tarts with four kinds of nuts, including macadamia.

With the market now closed for the season, Hasson is focusing on serving other customers... read the entire article

from Marko Colby 12/28/07

Local growers Marko Colby and Hanako Myers are happy to announce the opening of their new farm operation, Midori Farm, located on several acres at the edge of Port Townsend. Continuing the garden starts business began by Kate Dean many years ago, Midori Farm grows vegetable, herb and flower starts for local gardeners with a focus on using open-pollinated and organic seed. These will be available at the Farmers’ Market and the Food Co-op from April through July.

This season Hanako and Marko are also cultivating a diverse selection of seasonal vegetables for the Farmers’ Market sales, the Food Co-op and local restaurants. Specialty crops include salad mix, loose greens, basil, and many heirloom varieties. They are also expanding their line of farm-grown, naturally fermented sauerkrauts and kimchi. Look for it on Saturdays at the Midori farm stand and at local food retailers.

Midori Farm strives to increase habitat for natural pollinators, is dedicated to ecologically sound soil building techniques, and is actively involved in local seed production.

Matt Sircely 12/20/07

The PT Farmers Market season wrapped up with a bright outlook thanks to community support and the hard work of vendors. Remember that the market strongly encourages backyard growers to come to market, so start planning your plot today!

After all, gardener Esko Cate won the Giant Award at our Pumpkin Festival this year, using methods he described as 'benign neglect,' proving it can sometimes be easy to succeed. The award for uniqueness went to Frog Hill for its Lower Salmon River pumpkin. In other news from the last few celebratory markets, The Spot Restaurant served Corona Farm squash soup free of charge, adding it to the menu for the following week. And Market Manager Nick Hill awarded the Manager's Award for the appearance of a new crop at the market to Corona Farm for introducing jacon, an Andean tubor, as well as baby corn. Honorable Mentions went to Serendipity Farm for sweet potatoes and lemongrass, as well as to Nash's Organic Produce for bringing several varieties of dried beans.

In news from our producers, Keith and Crystie Kisler of Finn River Farm are preparing their field for 900 young heirloom apple trees. Using a hydraulic cider press, Finnriver Winery will produce hard cider along with a wide variety of berry and fruit wines, port, brandy and sparkling tonics. Sweeteners will also be grown on-site. The Kislers invite community members to share in the work of creating the new orchard in exchange for credit towards products, so watch for a flier at the coop in late January or early February to join the effort.

Just down the road, Karyn Williams is working hard to prepare the soil on her

new certified organic 23-acre farm in Chimacum. Williams, formerly of Old Tarboo Farm and the newest market board member, recently settled on the name 'Red Dog Farm' after receiving permission from her loyal canine. Next year, Red Dog Farm will grow vegetables, but long range plans include raising cattle and considerably expanding the vegetable operation. The Landworks Collaborative played an instrumental role in helping Karyn land on her new farm.

Meanwhile, Jim and Trudy Davis at Eaglemount Wine and Cider also expanded their operation this year to include many varieties of cider along with red wine. Sales of hard "Homestead Cider" at the market have been very strong as the family continues to bottle. The apples come from century old apple trees on the old homestead site. "That's why we call it Homestead Cider. Because we're on an old homestead, and they are old apples. They make the best cider," she says.

Jennie Watkins and Theodor Carlat of Ananda Hills Farm also had a very successful year selling chicken, wool and more. Egg sales tripled, and still haven't met the high demand. Their beloved milk cow, Flora, recently gave

birth to a beautiful young calf. The family is also excited about a cooperative buzz among local growers to grow feed grain locally. Ananda Hills aims to source 20% of feed locally by next fall, expanding the percentage each year.

Naturally, it is still possible to support vendors in the off-season, whether at the Food Coop, at restaurants that buy local, or even by shopping directly. Stop by the Boat Haven, for example, on Wednesday or Thursday afternoon to pick up line caught salmon and a friendly smile from Rick Oltman of Cape Cleare Fishery. Visit www.ptfarmersmarket.org or contact market staff to get in touch with vendors for any reason, including holiday shopping. And remember you can find market tote bags at the Food Coop, Holly's Flowers and Uptown Nutrition.

Matt Sircely 11/7/07

Market Supporter and local suppliment supplier Marcy Jaffe reminds us that local remedies can be instrumental when modern medicines fail. It turns out that compounds in garlic can defeat 'superbugs' like MSRA. Thanks for sending the link, Marcy!

Garlic 'Beats Hospital Superbug'

Matt Sircely 11/7/07

A new Slow Food convivium has just been formed in our area - official name is Slow Food North Olympic Peninsula - and it is sponsoring its first event this coming Sunday, Nov. 11, 4 - 6 p.m. at Sweet Laurette's, 1029 Lawrence in Port Townsend. We hope you can come and learn about Slow Food, enjoy a presentation by local chef Arran Stark of Cultivated Palette on savoring the flavors of fall, experience the pleasures of eating local food prepared by local chefs, and enjoy wines selected by The Wine Seller and Olympic Cellars.

Some of our best chefs will be providing fabulous appetizers for this event - Arran Stark of Cultivated Palette, Laurette McRae of Sweet Laurette's, Walter Santschi of Galatea, Hope Borsato of Provisions, Frank d'Amore of Pane d'Amore, Kimberly Harms of Wild Coho, and Tom and Linda Weiner, formerly of Ajax Cafe. In addition, Katherine Baril of WSU will give a short presentation on local farmland preservation.

If you can't make this event, there will be a similar one with great food and wine next Sunday, 11/18, 4 - 6 p.m. at Groveland Cottage, 4861 Sequim-Dungeness Way, in Sequim.

Both events are free of charge and open to the public. Donations to help pursue Slow Food's educational objectives will be gratefully accepted. Membership information will be available at both events.

Matt Sircely 9/13/07

Slow Food Convivium

Local Medicine

Post-Season Wrap-Up: Thanks to All!

Marko and Hanako to start Midori Farm

Leader features Pastry Design

Congrats to Red Dog Farm

The Farm Bill passed the US House of Representatives at the end of July, with mixed results for small and organic farmers. While the Senate is developing their version for debate this fall, most advocates of small farmers and the environment continue to push for more support for family farms and sustainable agriculture. Our senators need to hear from you - this bill will set the next six years of policy, and there is good reason to believe that small and organic growers have more support in the Senate than in the House.

The Union of Concerned Scientists has a petition to the Senate if you're inclined to take action.

While the House version includes a large increase in the amount of funding for organic research and transitional programs, that funding is miniscule compared to the continued subsidies to industrial-scale production of crops like corn and soy. Family farms have long suffered in the shadow of such overwhelming support for corporate operations.

Here's an interesting farmer perspective that ran in the Kansas City Star after the House passed its version.

And here's a news article from Brattleboro, Vermont that explains how programs to help growers transition to organics are getting a boost in some states. Some senators aim to spread the program nationwide.

Finally, this opinion piece in the Seattle P-I notes some new developments that could substantially support farmers in need with a revenue protection program rather than blanket subsidies.