About a year ago, a group of Richmond District residents got together to try and start a farmer’s market in the neighborhood. A location on 9th Avenue, across from the library, had been identified and the group was in talks with vendor Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association.
But earlier this week, community organizer Danielle Wood announced that plans for the market were on hold via an email from their Yahoo! Group.
“We’ll continue our efforts, working to build a stronger community base of support and perhaps looking for another larger site and alternative vendors,” Wood wrote.
So what happened? Wood says the greatest challenge was building community support for the market. Despite people’s enthusiasm, she rarely had more than eight people at the group’s meetings.
Wood says this didn’t sit well with the Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association (PCFMA), who expressed concern that their was not enough community support to sustain even a small market.
The PCFMA, who runs the markets in the Sunset and at Kaiser Hospital, has reason to be cautious. They worked with a group in Bernal Heights to launch a small neighborhood market, which shut down within a couple of months due to community opposition.
Wood says it was also challenging to work with the Clement Street Merchants Association who was actively involved in discussions. The market would have been on 9th Avenue near Clement, in a parking lot across from the Richmond Branch library.
“We are still working to create a relationship that will satisfy both parties,” Wood said.
Wood says she’s not giving up on bringing a farmer’s market to the Richmond District. “I really want to bring products to the neighborhood that we don’t usually have here, like organic produce and cheeses,” Wood said.
But to do that, she says she’ll need a lot more community support to convince PCFMA or another vendor to back it. Wood is also continuing to work with Supervisor Eric Mar’s office.
If you’re interested in helping with the effort to bring a market to the Richmond District, join the Richmond District Greens Yahoo! Group to get updates on meetings. Wood said they are also in need of a strong advocate that can help with outreach to the Asian merchant community, ideally someone who speaks Mandarin or Cantonese.
Sarah B.
The parking lot on 9th Avenue where the Sunday morning farmer’s market was hoping to be held.
I would totally shop at a local Farmer’s Market, but like most people I work nights (and day… and mornings!!). I don’t even have kids and I don’t have a minute to myself.
I got interested when the whole thing started, but meetings beinig on Tuesday night (a work night) was just impossible.
I think judging the public interest on how many people show up at a meeting like this is really shooting in the dark. It doesn’t mean nobody’s interested to shop there, it means that few people have time to sit around figuring out how to get it started. The economy is bad, most of us have 2-3 jobs…
Lets be realistic…
I didn’t even know there were meetings… I’ll get on the Yahoo group and see what it’s all about, but like Willow says, it’s difficult for people to commit to meetings and taking on more “work” in our lives. Doesn’t mean we don’t want to have a market though! :-S
Sounds like they haven’t been doing much outreach in the neighborhood, otherwise we would all have been at the meeting! I’ll have to check out the Yahoo group. I know there are Richmonders who’d love a Farmer’s Market… right now we all schlep out to the Sunset for theirs.
There has been no outreach on this which is a shame. Will join the Yahoo group. If there is any print media I would mail drop a few streets in my neighborhood to raise awareness. It would be great if we could get a famers market in Golden Gate Park. Picnic in the park 🙂
Here’s a thought- post flyers door to door and on car windows like the psychics do.
Doesn’t Clement st. *already* have a sizable number of produce markets? That plus given that Farmer’s Market prices tend to be higher that could be another reason for the lack of interest.
…a YAHOO group?? What is this, 1998?
And besides, as Derek says, there’s a bajillion produce markets on Clement and Geary Streets.
@Crankygal – Wow, that’s just the kind of support I’m sure they’re looking for. :/
The posting mentions the Clement Street merchants’ association. Did they take a stand on the farmers’ market? Did the merchants group support it or oppose it? If they weren’t on board, perhaps that is the main reason that the farmers’ market association pulled out, not the lack of interest shown at the evening meetings?
I think this is the WRONG location for a Farmer’s market. Also, while the Richmond district may lack numerous amenities, what we are blessed with are WONDERFUL produce markets that offer great, fresh, inexpensive produce. There is a huge amount of daily work involved in maintaining a product market and I think it is something of a slap in the face to our long-term local merchants (no, I’m not related to any…) What I would rather see people do is get to know the owners of their local produce shops, talk to them and encourage them to buy what it is they want. I have suggested to my local owner that I don’t LIKE seeing grapes and other summer fruits in December because i know they are flown in from Chile (think about how much fuel/pollution!) I have also suggested that he try selling some organic items. They are expensive and his patrons (including me) are “value shoppers” — so to stock expensive organic produce would be a real gamble for him. It is going to take time…but our merchants want to keep their customers happy and MAKE MONEY — so if we would all speak up and ask for what we want, and then SPEND to back up what we said, we can convince the store managers that there is a market and effecct changes.
I work in San Rafael where there is a big produce market every Thursday. I was out there two weeks ago and bought a few things — ouch, ouch! expensive! I got home wiht a basket of strawberries I’d bought for $3.50 and started eating them…then I stopped. Counted them. Did the math — 27 center PER small strawberry?! Then I thought of what it takes to grow strawberries (I have done it) and how the birds and insects love them…and how easily they rot if they touch the damp ground… the huge burst of intense flavor you get from a REAL strawberries are (vs. the pithy tasteless, fibrous genetically engineers growths we get that are called ‘strawberries. Hint: real berries of any kind will start spoiling in the fridge after two days) And I thought of how they had to be picked and transported to market by someone who was willing to get up at 4 a.m. to do that…how the seller would stand there for or 6 hours…then pack up, drive back to Watsonville or wherever. $3.50 was still a lot of money to me…but suddenly, I didn’t think it was so out of line.
typo: meant “27 cents” per small strawberry
Can any of my fellow Richmond residents point me to a decent produce market in the Inner Richmond area? The Asian markets on Clement st. have nothing but rotten melons and an overall filthy atmosphere. The farmer’s market store on 4th and Geary is GMO central. I really have not seen a healthy selection of produce in the area.
Chinese culture insists on fresh produce, so I dont know where you’re shopping (that’s honest, not meant to be rude!) If you are new to the area, it may be that you are not yet familiar with a lot of the foods that you will find at the Chinese markets — like the bok choy, dandelion greens, etc. Also, the prices at these markets are usually MUCH lower than you’ll find at Trad’r Joe’s or Safeway and the produce is fresher (plus, I refuse to buy produce that’s all wrapped up in plastic where I can’t see or smell it…) Have you tried the market at Geary and (is it?) 4th Ave? Again, not meaning to be rude, but if you’re new to the City, you may not be used to the way the markets look. Yes, they DO look run down compared to suburban chain grocery stores. But you’ll get used to it…and you’ll start to find the charm. In my produce shop, every nook and cranny is filled…and there are always new things to try — vegetable spreads from Turkey, olive oils, vinegars, Greek and Russian style yogurts and cheeses and cookies, jams and honeys — and all VERY inexpensive! I go into Whole foods or Tower Market and look at the prices and am stunned to find they’re 30-50% more! I love my run-down looking little produce shop.
@Tyler – try the Village Market at 8th and California.
I’ve been going to the place on the corner of 5th and Clement- it’s pretty gross and very disappointing. I already stated that I don’t like the market at Geary and 4th as they don’t have an organic selection and the produce is GMO. Apples are the size of bowling balls. I’ve lived in the city for 10 years. Just because its in the city doesn’t mean I have to put up with flies buzzing in front of me as I shop.
@tyler:
Fortunately, you can now hop on the 33 and go to the semi-new Whole Foods on Stanyan x Haight!
On another note, it’s a wondrous thing that the Richmond is fighting for a farmer’s market when there is such a thing as food deserts. The Richmond is hardly one and there have been new produce markets opening along Geary west of Park Presidio in the past year, along with Fresh & Easy which opened today!
While I wouldn’t oppose a Richmond Farmer’s market–I have to say, really don’t see it happening. We already have killer produce stores with great prices and, in many cases, unusual goods. And I’m not sure how to say this…but organic cheese? Yeah, I don’t think there is enough of that demographic going on here…Still, if like a lot of farmers markets there were tea and crafty items…I would check it out.
…Reading the comments=sad. I LOVE the plethora of Asian markets {I live in outer Richmond}. What Stoirin said!
he 9th and clement site seems a little silly given the amount of markets around there…i think an outer-ish richmond market would be nice..Having something in GGPark or the beach or Land’s End could bring in casual tourists too. I don’t know…I think it’s going to be hard to please everyone. Other ideas: parking lot behind Starbucks @19th and Geary, Legion of Honor Parking Lot around the fountain, Empty Lot at 37th and Balboa, Parking Lot on 18th Ave b/w Geary and Clement, The Music Concourse GGPark, Ocean Beach @ Fulton parking lot…etc etc.
@CrankyGal YES! lol
@Tyler – There is an EXCELLENT little produce market on Clement at 25th (on the northeast corner). They even sell amazing jugs of pure nectar in the form of fresh squeezed orange juice.
Support local shop-owners my fellow Richmond residents! remember that these local markets are paying SF RENT to be here, something the farmer’s market people don’t have to pay. There is already a farmer’s market VERY close to the Richmond every Wednesday at Kaiser (main area) on Geary. Seriously VERY CLOSE. Any Geary bus will take you there.
And if you want locally grown, seasonal produce delivered weekly to the Richmond, consider joining a CSA (community supported agriculture). There are many to choose from… here’s the one I belong to (and love) and they have 2 different Richmond drop-off locations: http://www.mariquita.com/csa/csa.html
I’m always surprised by the sheer number of grocery stores in the area. How do they survive? People too lazy to cross the street? That said, I do enjoy & patronize them. Yes, many are on the dingy side, but there’s plenty of great (and cheap!) produce to be had (though you do have to actually judge things individually, which Safeway does for you–though not always in the way you prefer. For instance, the major-brand store bananas are always far from ripe, while I like walking in, picking up a ready-to-eat banana, and getting it extra-cheap to boot. Or baking an apple pie with some beat-up apples in a 99c bag).
I won’t be surprised if one of the stores tries to capture a different market segment by going organic, with some clean ‘rustic’ decor to match. 8th & California has done this, but ow, the prices. Is there room for something in between? I tend to think that there are enough customers to support another such store– just don’t take away my 99 cent bell peppers.
It seems to me there are different kinds of farmer’s markets– the ones that mostly sell vegetables at reasonable prices, and have end of the day “everything must go” sales, and the ones that are more about artisan processed foods. Which one would we be talking about here?
It would be cool to get some live chicken sellers up here, since they got thrown out of Civic Center.
I for one would like the organic produce in the hood. I would shop it, i hate to come to the ferry building on saturday, my day off since i work right across the street from there. I don’t much shop at the many markets on clement street because they are all commercially raised and non-organic. i would support a farmers market, but probably not a market with prepared foods, even if it was mostly natural and organic.
Besides, it would add another draw to the area that would help support some of the other small businesses, like Haig’s deli and the restaurant supply house, Kamei, and might even help stores like Green Apple and Park Life.
I’m pretty surprised that no one has mentioned Thom’s health food stores on Geary and 23rd as a source for organic groceries/produce. Support the ‘hood! Having said that, I’m surprised that someone who has lived in this neighborhood for years doesn’t seem to have explored more markets (unless I’m misunderstanding). I shopped at the one at 25th and Clement for years (as did Robin Williams, when he lived in Seacliff) and it was delightful. I love Richmond Produce at 19th & Geary. When I first started shopping there is looked very unappealing to me — it’s not as pretty at the one at 25th — but I have come to LOVE it and the staff and the utterly amazing variety of goods. As I said before, if we want organic and locally grown, I think WE the shoppers, need to make a point of requesting (and requesting, and reqeusting) them from the owners. One or two people doing it is not going to make a difference. After all, it’s a tough business and they would take a big chance bringing in highly perishable goods they aren’t sure there is a demand for. But if they hear it from 15, 20 people, they’ll start to think about it…
Sara, I think the Ocean Beach parking lot is a GREAT idea for a location because it offers parking. It is a bit far out there, true…but closer than the Ferry building! Or what about using something like the yard at Presidio middle school? I suppose there are insurance problems or…?
@Stoirin – I imagine the Ocean Beach parking lot is problematic because that is Park Service/Federal land (read earlier comment about issues with using the Lands End Merrie Way parking lot). Presidio Middle School is a great suggestion, I like the location of that one. I hope you’ll join the group when they meet up again – good ideas!
Sarah B.
All the other farmers markets in the city are located in areas that don’t have much access to fresh produce. Clement street is the opposite of all those FM locations. It makes little sense to have one other than vanity.
And then choosing that parking lot, shows even more ignorance. Many customers, including local and personal chefs drive everyday to Clement to buy meats and produce. Those people and low income residents are what keep the shops in business.
Why not explore other options like using the schoolyard at Star of the Sea school or the Smart & Final lot. Or even closing one block on Clement, or a remote street with little traffic. Instead of ramming the FM idea without knowing what’s important to merchants. “OMG, we want an FM because it’ll be neat, whoopee!”
A responsible organizer would have the common sense of not bringing competitors that would put local stores out of business. For example, one customer that buys a box of organic blueberries at the FM might mean one pound of bananas that doesn’t get sold. The produce merchants on Clement street work on slim margins. One weekend of slow sales would mean a disaster. There are several empty storefronts on Clement already, why create more?
Some comments clearly show the complete lack of knowledge about local merchants. Green Apple is doing fine. Haig’s Deli main income is selling to Whole Foods and other markets. Kamei is part of a chain.
Just because some people say they want organic non-GMO produce doesn’t mean they speak for the majority of residents who don’t post messages online. Please don’t ruin the neighborhood. Those people who can’t find what they need on Clement, can easily hop on a bus to the Inner Sunset Farmers Market on Sundays.
“All the other farmers markets in the city are located in areas that don’t have much access to fresh produce. Clement street is the opposite of all those FM locations. It makes little sense to have one other than vanity.”
I wholeheartedly agree with you on that, Lou. I just read in the Smithsonian Magazine’s July issue that the Dept. of Agriculture estimates there are 13.5 million Americans that live in “food deserts”. Wake up, people, and try to help other communities that are less fortunate to live in such a food-rich neighborhood like the Richmond. I’m sorry that there aren’t more organic/artisanal markets here to satisfy a small group of people here. Thankfully, you’re still only a walk or short bus ride away from such grocery stores or farmer’s markets.
http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/food/2011/05/new-tool-maps-food-deserts-in-the-u-s/?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=printmagazine&utm_campaign=2011-June-August&utm_content=fooddesert