South Whidbey Tilth Farmers Market

SW Tilth Farmers' Market is more than a "farmers' market" the way "family farming" is much more than farming. It is 28 year old experience of community building and strengthening; sustaining for the land, for people, relationships and the community. The more commercial outdoor market down the street enjoys the community 'marketing' memory of the SW Tilth market which had held markets at that site for nearly 20 years preceding the "new market' filling in the void by SW Tilth Market moving to its Sustainability Campus. Perhaps, the newer market, might move its crowded hot market from the gravel parking lot to the cool meadow of the SW Tilth Sustainable campus a few long blocks away. Those shopping would no doubt follow, allowing the parking lot to be used for less organic and more appropriate ventures. And allowing the shopper to see and experience the rural-ness of the organic life. Joining markets in some way and collaboratively supporting sustainability on south Whidbey would be nothing but good for us all. It is sad when farmers must travel to those 'urban market site' to make a living, rather than the customers traveling a few blocks more to the comfort of relaxed shopping with neighbors, kids playing in the meadow, us all sharing stories of growing and learning in a 'rural setting' surrounded with organic gardens. Where one can shop and at the same time actually see where and how the food they are purchasing actually came to be. Consuming could then be not just purchasing, but taking in the experience of food as an intragal nurturing of self and other. I vote for SW Tilth growing us each! Is it a sign of the times?