(Notes by Sharon Alden)
Saturday February 28th four members of the Co-op Market board went to the Delta Farm Forum, put on by the UAF Cooperative Extension Service and the Salcha-Delta Soil and Water Conservation District. Hans Grier, Rob Leach, Sharon Alden and Justin ? attended.
Dave Lacey had been scheduled to speak about taking the carbon miles out of our food. With Dave’s passing I’m sure we will hear it said, and it is very true, that no one can fill Dave’s shoes. This was the case Saturday as it took the four of us to go up to speak together and answer questions. We spoke briefly about the vision of Co-op Market and where we are in the process. The farmers from the Delta Junction are very interested in this market as a new outlet for their produce and meat. There were several general questions on grants, and location and what type of products we would carry. There were also some specific questions on how delivery, and storage would be set up.
All is all I think it was time very well spent. We have made contact with the folks who will likely be our major suppliers of both produce and meat products. They are excited about Co-op Market and understand that we are still in the beginning of this process. We also made some good contacts with the farmers, marketers, and USDA folks who should be able to help us find the right grants or programs that may help us with “seed” money and also to develop in a way that will encourage continued participation. I learned a great deal at this event.
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