Did you know there are Farmers Markets throughout the winter?  

If you've never been to a winter market, you might be wondering what could possibly be fresh, locally grown and for sale in the middle of a New England Winter? More and more farmers are growing greenhouse crops like lettuce, greens, herbs and even tomatoes. Some farmers are using hydroponic methods as well.  

In addition to greenhouse crops, root vegetables like potatoes, squash and carrots keep very well if they are stored in a cool dark place. So farmers are able to grow enough during the fall season to store and bring to the winter markets.  

And of course there are the meat and cheese farmers; their products are not governed by the weather so there are plenty of choices.

Over the last few years Winter Farmers Markets have increased by about ten new markets every year.  

During the 2013/2014 winter season there were forty markets. Winter markets have many models: some are just three to four weeks leading up to the December Holidays, some open in January and operate every week right into the spring, some open in November and operate every other week. Most winter markets are on the weekend days.

At Mass Farmers Markets (MFM) we shift our focus in the winter. Like the farmers, it is a planning season for us. We have many responsibilities as a Nonprofit Charitable Organization: we must produce an Annual Report, plan and prepare for our Annual Meeting, create the next budget as well as prepare for our annual audit, and plan workshops for our market member managers. Before we know it the time has come to begin preparing to distribute the vendor applications for the three markets we manage during the upcoming summer market season. In between all of that we also work on the fundraising and strengthening of the organizations infrastructure.

With Winter Markets afoot, we now have another area to add to our work plan in the 'off season'. If you are interested in finding out about a winter market near you, visit our website. Use the word 'WINTER' in your search and you will discover an up-to-date list. Check back frequently, as we will be adding to the list as we gather the information. 

This is our final issue of Fresh From The Farm in 2014. If you have any questions, please call 781.893.8222 or email the office. We will be busy preparing for 2015, and we will be happy to hear from you!  

Look for our 2014 Annual Appeal;  

coming to your inbox soon.

Martha Sweet

Director of Programs and Operations 

Makes 2 1/2 cups

3 cups fresh cranberries

2 Bosc Pears, very ripe, peeled and finely diced

1 1/2 tablespoon Fresh Ginger, grated

3/4 cups Water

3 tablespoons Light Brown Sugar

1 Cinnamon Stick, about 3 inches

1/4 teaspoon Ground Cardamom

1/4 cup Honey

1. Combine cranberries, pear, ginger, water, brown sugar, cinnamon stick, and cardamom in a heavy bottomed saucepan. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
2. After about 5 minutes, add the honey. Cook for about 5 minutes more, until the berries have collapsed and the pear had started to breakdown and dissolve.
3. Remove from heat and allow to cool. The sauce will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator, and also freezes well. Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed.

At MFM, we rely upon a strong Board of Directors.  Being on the MFM BOD is challenging; MFM serves three very distinct, yet very much related constituencies; Farmers, Communities/Market Managers and Shoppers. The BOD is made up of volunteers, all of whom have an interest in non-profit organizations, local food and agriculture and farmers markets. They meet about 7-8 times a year. They make sure that the financials are in order, approve (and sometimes disapprove) of new ideas and initiatives. They discuss fundraising strategies and long term strategic planning. It is the Board of Directors that determines the path to the future successes of the organization. It's not easy. Collaboration between the Staff and the Board is essential to a functional organization.

My dad was on the MFM Board of Directors for more than a decade until he passed away at the end of the Summer. The other board members referred to my dad as the Parliamentarian. The BOD meetings are run under Roberts Rules of Order and my dad was passionate about making sure Motions and Votes were implemented accordingly. He was also passionate about Mass Farmers Markets and its mission to support Massachusetts Farmers by strengthening farmers markets and expanding access to farmers markets to all citizens of the Commonwealth.

If you have a passion for the mission of  

Mass Farmers Markets and want to play  

a role, I invite you to consider joining our BOD.  

We are always on the lookout for knowledgeable, enthusiastic and dedicated community members to support our initiatives and if you want to pitch in, we would be happy to hear from you.

Contact Karen Light, Vice President, to explore the possibilities; klightrose@gmail.com 

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