t is safe to say Fairbanks has actually finally broken up with breakup. The birch trees are green. Each evening, the sun is more and more reluctant to set. And several bees have visited the Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation office via our open windows. But, in my opinion, there is no finer herald of spring than our farmers markets.
Yesterday, the opening bell rang for the first time this season at the Tanana Valley Farmers Market. Granted, in terms of produce, there is not much to be had this early in the season. But there is a promise of — and anticipation for — the farm fresh vegetables on which the Interior prides itself. Yet, in the midst of a budget crisis, when pink slips fly like confetti and protracted legislative dithering diminishes any hope for a solution, how can the average Fairbanksan justify buying from our markets with higher prices as opposed to major box stores?
The Alaska Food Policy Council promotes the “Eat Five, Buy Five” campaign which encourages consumers to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables a day and buy $5 worth of locally grown produce a week. Gov. Bill Walker has actually continually advocated for an expansion in agricultural opportunities, mentioning it yet again in his end-of-session address on April 16. It only takes one family spending $5 on local food and telling their friends, who tell their friends. If each person made this small adjustment in spending, the effort would certainly generate $188 million for Alaska, and a substantial portion of that money would certainly stay here in Fairbanks. However, it is difficult for our agriculture community to expand if the consumers don’t show their support.
Shopping at the farmers markets is not the same as donating to some Save Alaska charity. Like any other viable business, there are direct benefits to the consumers when they buy from farmers markets. The quality of produce, for one, is superior to the imported varieties at the grocery store. According to the Alaska Farm Bureau, in a blind taste test, 82 percent of Alaskans distinguished between the “sweeter, fresher-tasting” Alaska-grown produce and the vegetables that spent several days in transit.
As for price, at face value buying from farmers markets can be more expensive than the grocery store, but consider what you’re getting. The produce at farmers markets tends to be larger, especially here in Alaska, and more flavorful than what you would certainly find at the big box stores, saving money on seasonings and the need to buy larger quantities.
Finally, the produce is healthier. Our Interior farmers sell us minimally processed produce — no GMOs, no antibiotics, nothing that’s been exposed to the fumes of semis and barges to get up here. Our farmers tend to use sustainable growing techniques with the environment in mind.
They have families just like yours and mine, and want to feed their children quality fruits and vegetables. Buying from farmers markets is a smart and healthy purchase. It’s no headline that Alaska is in the throes of a budget crisis. The word “crisis” comes from the Greek “krisis,” which means “a turning point in a disease,” but the etymology does not say if the turning point is for better or worse. Money is tight in the State Estate and in our homes, and sacrifices need to be made. But sidelining local agriculture is not the answer. In fact, building it up is part of our solution. That’s where we are as Alaskans. Our state is languishing in the ICU and the physician has actually given us a 50-50 chance for survival. Buying from the farmers markets is not the miracle drug that will cure our ills but it is a step in the right direction.
Let’s begin to expand our awareness of local agriculture, and learn how, in small and large ways, a stronger farming community means a stronger community as a whole. Local food is not just healthier for our bodies, it is healthier for Fairbanks.
Tanana Valley Farmers Market is open for business every Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 2600 College Road. They will begin their Sunday market time (11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) at the end of May. The Southside Community Farmers Market will begin its season June 7 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. located at 24th Avenue & Rickert Street, across the street from the JP Jones Community Center.
Samantha Reynolds is an agriculture, forestry and rural outreach project manager at the Fairbanks Economic Development Corporation.
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