Produce Promotions

Chapter 7

Farm Market Rhubarb

Farmers Markets create a space for many encounters. Carol has to rely on them for revenues sufficient to survive. By 1980 it is an established pattern of life. She benefits by partners in the labor and the vision. Surviving long enough to learn what works in growing and selling.

There are stars in the southern sky.

And if ever you decide you should go,

There is a taste of time sweet and honey

Down the Seven Bridges Road --

Stephen T. Young Seven Bridges Road

Apple Playlist -- Null Stillness – Rock Salt and Nails

Produce Promotions

“Hey Carol, how’s it going?”

“I am getting by, starting to turn the corner on production. The new trees I planted should produce a crop this year. The raised beds of strawberries look good this year. “

“What do you have today?”

“I have some early crop produce: onions, radishes, lettuce, mustard greens, stuff like that. I still have some jellies and jams to get rid of from last season.”

“Planning on coming in all season?”

“This is the only organized Farmer’s Market I can just come in by myself and my old truck.”

“I really need another person to do the New Harmony market. In the Fall I get good traffic at the farm; I’ll see how the season goes.”

“You’re a remarkable woman maybe you should find a husband.”

“Maybe, I should just keep my eyes on the ground and meet my bills.”

“Hope you can be here throughout the season.” 

-

“Ok, thank you – cook some bacon and onions then stir in the greens. After they sauté you will love them.”

“What, yes cook them until the greens are soft.”

“You run your own farm?”

“Yes, Parker Produce and Fruit, I’m Carol Parker”

“Our professor brought us out to the market today. It is one of the earliest to get going. Our semester will end soon. We’re taking an organic farming class in the horticultural curriculum. I think it simply fantastic you are running your own farm. You don’t seem to have much to sell?”

“First lesson in running your own farm. If it is near the end of the day having little or nothing left to sell is the goal.”

“I’m going to bring the group over we’ll help load up. I get tired of hearing girls can’t do this or girls shouldn’t do that”

“Second lesson don’t let anyone call you a girl when you’re an adult woman.”

-

“Here she is, meet Carol Parker, operator of Parker Produce and Fruit.”

“Hi, are you all in the class?”

“Yes”

“What do you raise?’

“I mostly concentrate on apples; I am expanding the orchards. Strawberries are our big early season fruit. I try any vegetable I can grow and sell.”

“Are you organic? I don’t see a sign that you are.”

“No one here asks about being organic. I try to use as few chemicals as possible. It makes my business more profitable if I contain costs. Some applications are necessary to maintain production. Apples require some spray if you expect people to buy them.”

“Can I take some photos Ms. Parker?”

“Sure, as few of me as possible, I’m rather bedraggled.”

“I love radishes and green onions, looks like that’s about the only produce left. I’ll buy those.”

“What are you going to do with them at school?”

“I have a small kitchen; they will improve my salad.”

“We’ll help you load up.”

“Thank you I’ll fold these signs. It’s a small truck they need to go in first.”

“Where do you want this box?”

“It has jams and is the heaviest up towards the front. Hope you enjoy your salad. I appreciate the help. it is all loaded now. I will soon have all my canned jams and jellies sold at the next couple of markets. They are my heaviest lift, thank you again.”

“We’re glad to help this has been a fun day.”

“How is your business going.?”

“I am gaining, getting a good reputation and growing more to sell. It takes patience and there is so much to learn. I used to like birds, rabbits, and other cute furry animals. I think of them as varmints when I find them in my gardens.”

Carol shut the tailgate catching sight of Stephen Capuano. He came walking up with one of his students engaging her in lengthy explanations of the market as they approached. He made a quick count and found everyone was here. Stephen Capuano then saw Carol the tall blonde woman about his age. He immediately became charming and deeply interested in Carol. “Have you read my book ‘The Bountiful Earth’?”

“No, I haven’t”

“We are in a new age of food production; you are really in step with the times.”

“I try to watch my step and let the times take care of themselves.”

“A philosopher born of the good Earth. He looked at the card one the students had handed him. Where is Franklin?”

“It is about 20 miles from here, maybe 45 from your college.”

“You are having an event next Saturday. I may try to come out. I see you have directions all printed even a former city boy like me shouldn’t get lost.”

“We and some other vendors will be selling bedding plants, flowers, early produce, jams and jellies, honey, a few craft items. A couple of people asked if they could come sell what they call primitive art. Honestly, I think it is just junk, but it appeals to some folks. Nice drive on a Saturday if the weather holds.”

“I will check my schedule when I’m back. My students may forgive me a day’s delay on grading their reports on the field trip. Due next Thursday as a reminder.”

A soft groan from the students, Stephen shook Carol’s hand. “Next Saturday I am most intrigued; I can’t wait to see your farm.”

Carol turned to the students, "Any of you are welcome as well."





Photo LoraleeBiz on Flickr