When August Jones moved back to Springfield
from California three years ago, he immediately went to work
farming his grandparents’ land. During that first summer, he
was selling organic tomatoes and other fresh produce at the Old
Capitol Farmers’ Market.
The market not only provided an outlet to sell
his crops but also introduced him to a network of like-minded
people who enjoy tilling the land and promoting fresh food. The
market is where Jones, who owns Hill Street Gardens, met business
partners Joseph Bartletti and Andrew Heck, who farm in Buffalo.
Last year they decided to join forces to share both the work and
the rewards.
Hill Street Gardens is one of just a few
organic growers in Springfield. This week, during the first of four
market-preview days, Jones was selling native wildflowers,
perennials, and early-season crops, including radishes and rhubarb.
He and his partners plan to offer more than 200 varieties of
organic produce throughout the season, including spinach, lettuce,
onions, collards, kale, cardoon, garlic, leeks, chard, and melons.
They also grow 44 varieties of heirloom tomatoes, 27 kinds of
peppers, and 20 types of squash, in addition to fingerling and blue
potatoes, golden beets, and burgundy beans.
“We’re just trying to grow lots of
different things,” says Jones, who tries to educate people
about the benefits of organic food. “We’re at the very
basement level of the movement. It’s catching on here, but we
have to get over this corn-and-bean thing and show people we have
plenty of fertile soil here to grow other things,” he says.
The market not only provides local residents
with a source of healthy food, says Jones, but also introduces them
to growers. “They see that these people do exist that like to
be out in the country and spend days in the soil growing food.
That’s my network. The farmers’ market is where I met
most of my friends.”
Jones is one of nearly 50 vendors who will be
offering everything from flowers and honey to fruit,
vegetables, and baked goods. Shopping at the farmers’ market is
the next best thing to having your own backyard vegetable patch. In
fact, it’s much easier — no tilling, weeding, or planting
is involved. You can browse tables loaded with tender baby carrots and
arugula, mounds of melons, and boxes of fragrant strawberries picked by
hand.
Many local chefs, such as Maldaner’s
owner Michael Higgins, shop at the market and plan their menus
around what’s in season and abundantly available. The market
has grown from its original 12 vendors and a few tables to two
whole city blocks showcasing approximately 60 specialty-crop
growers throughout the season. More growers are on a waiting list.
The Springfield farmers’ market, which is committed to
offering only locally grown products, is similar to markets across
the country, indicating a nationwide, grassroots effort to
strengthen the bond between growers and customers in a
cost-effective, efficient way. Not only does this ensure the
continued viability of the small family farm and supports
environmentally friendly farming practices, but it also boosts the
local economy.
According to the U.S. Department of
Agriculture, the number of farmers’ markets in the United
States has grown dramatically — increasing by 111 percent in
the past 10 years. More than 3,700 farmers’ markets are in
operation, indicating that these venues are meeting the needs of a
more and more farmers with small- to medium-size operations.
“The Old Capitol Farmers’ Market
promotes healthy and active lifestyles. We strongly believe in the
health benefits of farm fresh produce, meats, and eggs and want to
share these specialty crops with a diverse and increasingly
dedicated audience,” says Megan Derrig-Green, the market
coordinator.
“Farmers’ markets are not only the
best place to buy fresh, seasonal fruits, vegetables, herbs and
other food products,” Derrig-Green says, “they are also
part entertainment and a pleasure for your senses.”
The fifth annual Old Capitol Farmers Market
will operate 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays, May 18-Oct.
29. The market is located on Adams Street between Third and Fifth
streets, just west of the Old State Capitol. Early-season crops,
herbs, baked goods, and crafts will be offered at a market
preview day 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, May 14, on the south
side of the Old State Capitol Plaza.
Hill Street Gardens is located at 1400 Hill
St. (From Clear Lake Ave., go north on Dirksen Parkway, then east
on North Grand Avenue, and turn north on Hill Street.) Phone:
217-891-1277, 217-891-3570 or 217-415-1044.
Market tidbits
Coffee —
Caffeine is now available at the farmers’ market. Freshly
roasted and brewed espresso drinks will be served by vendor Terri
Woodliff of Woodliff’s Bloomin’ Garden in Springfield.
Woodliff, who sells homegrown fresh flowers and craft items made
from pressed flowers, will offer iced drinks as the weather gets
warmer.
Chef demos —
On one Saturday each month, chef Michael Higgins of
Maldaner’s will sponsor a cooking and sampling event,
focusing on seasonal foods found at the market.
Music and more —
Live music will be presented at least one Saturday a month,
coordinated by Music in Communities and Education. The St.
John’s Hospital tent will again offer health information and
recipes.
This article appears in May 12-18, 2005.
