To whom it may concern: Four years ago, when my husband and I decided to open our organic farm in Timmins, there was only one other farm that was trying to give it a go growing vegetables for the local community as a full time operation. The Mountjoy Farmers Market was a great place for us, but it was limited, at that time, in terms of customer attendance. This left us with only one other viable option, which was to start our own Farm-Gate Market, but even that has its limitations. When Noella Rinaldo, of Downtown Timmins, came to me to see if opening up a market in the downtown was a worthwhile endeavor I said I would roll up my sleeves and help her in any way I can. I knew that there was a real hunger for local food and that it would have created a wonderful opportunity for other types of farmers- namely those raising livestock- and that it could also incentivize new farmers or other farmers from surrounding areas to increase their production to supply the demand being developed. I saw this opportunity as a win win for everyone. I have worked with Mrs. Rinaldo and watched as she tirelessly looks for ways to promote the market, promote local farmers, support their efforts and create a space where they can sell their goods to a community looking to embrace them. Even the Mountjoy Farmers Market has benefited from added publicity via cross promotion of markets which Mrs. Rinaldo has always actively supported. Since we started attending the Urban Park Market, which has been since day one, we have had a tremendous reception from the community and have enjoyed the exposure that being at the market has given us. It has allowed us the convenience to promote our farm and we have always appreciated this opportunity. It has expanded our customer base in ways that we could not have done single handedly. I believe that the Urban Park Market has created this opportunity for all local farmers to enjoy the same benefits. We never stood with Rene Bertrand in his position to boycott the market and on the contrary, want to continue being an integral part of the market, proudly representing local farming. Mrs. Rinaldo is looking at the concerns of all the local farmers, those specifically being that the retailers who are bringing in the product from down south (which I personally have no problem with) should be identifying that they are retailers and not the farmers themselves and that their goods are regional, not local nor organic. My husband and I are 100% for free markets and dont believe in restricting a fair market- where things are clearly labeled- so that the consumer makes the choice. Sincerely, Rosalia Rivera Owner, Naturally Pure Farm
Posted on: Tue, 29 Jul 2014 12:38:01 +0000
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