Community Garden Produce Marketing Opportunity

[Steve Kidd]

Dear Edie, Erica, and Rob:

Linda La Violette, Director of Farmers' Markets at the Empire State Development

Corporation has indicated that she would like to have participation from Harlem

Community Gardens at the Harlem State Office Building Farmers' Market: this

year. This opportunity can take the form of information displays and actual selling

by area gardens. I hope you will agree this represents a great opportunity to show

off the work and handiwork of our local green space stewards and the bounty that is

and has been produced through their urban agriculture efforts.


Our Green Thumb Garden has participated in some flea  market events, in the past:

to sell flowers. We found that there could be a niche market for small window baskets

of fresh growing herbs. So, that's what we are gearing up to do. But, I also know that

other gardens have excellent fruit trees;operate great produce canning operations; and

have great stories to be told. As well there are independent gardens and gardeners, whose

work is impressive.There are also great healthy living/eating programs that should be featured

at Harlem's largest and most visible Farmer's Market.( a  'good food"  initiative of Gov.Cuomo).

I feel this merits an all hands; rather than a Lone Ranger response.


Not all these activities are under Green Thumb's auspices, as there are also the land

trusted and NYCHA gardeners to be included. I see this as an opportunity to bring the

range of Harlem community gardeners together, across their jurisdictional boundaries.

What I am suggesting is a collaboration to display"everyone's"  efforts, and I am asking

for your approvals and help.


I would like to schedule an early meeting with Ms. La Violette's office to delineate the

parameters of her vending/demonstration space offer. I would not want to reach a "Peter

Principle" point (or simply biting off more than I can chew), trying to respond to this as a

single volunteer garden entity. I feel it is important to seek a broader collaborative effort.


Can those who agree, meet to brainstorm on the possibilities? With work schedules

the way they are: a designated representative would be fine. Please indicate whether you

would host such a meeting: I only have Carrie McCracken Garden for meetings ( though we

do excel at meetings with food).


thank you for your consideration of this matter.

steve


Steven Kidd 347-557-2963