Athens Locally Grown

How to contact us:
Our Website: athens.locallygrown.net
On Twitter: @athlocallygrown
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/athenslocallygrown
On Thursdays: Here’s a map.

Market News

I’ve just arrived home from nearly a week in Mobile, Alabama, where I served on the staff of the annual conference for the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group. It’s one of my favorite events, where over 1000 farmers from across the south and beyond gather to share stories of failure and success, learn from those, and inspire each other to return home and grow even more real food for their communities. The days there are extremely long, and I’m ready to drop into sleep as I type this, but it is always well worth it.

I haven’t gone over all the listings for the week yet, but there are nearly 1000 items to choose from, including several new items (such as lion’s mane mushrooms, a variety never before available through Athens Locally Grown). The winter has been cold and wet so far, and there is plenty more freezing nights yet to come, but our growers are doing a great job of keeping the food coming to our tables.

If you’re looking to join their ranks, one of the oldest chemical-free farms in the area is available for lease. The farm formerly known as Backyard Harvest includes: 2200 square foot house, tractor, hoop houses, and irrigation, and is ready for operation this coming season. Call Boo at 310-367-5176 or email him at backyardharvest@windstream.net for more information.

And if you just want to learn more about the business, there are several educational opportunities coming up for you.

The “Starting a Small Farm Business” program is designed to provide farmers with information on the business aspects of operating a farm. This workshop covers important tools and resources a farm business needs to establish a solid foundation during its formative years. Participants will learn business basics such as defining target market, record-keeping, understanding cash flow, and the importance of a business plan. Registration: $30, includes light refreshments. Registration limited to 30 participants. Register online at http://www.georgiasbdc.org/ce/athens or call 706-542- 7436 for more information. Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2014 (Register by Feb. 7th) Time: 6:00 – 9:00 pm Location: Oconee County Extension Office, 1420 Government Station Road, Watkinsville, GA 30677

The 2014 Master Composter Program is beginning January 29th. This nine week program is for those who would like to learn a great deal about the composting process and volunteer in the local community teaching others about the wonders of composting. DATES: Wednesday evenings, January 29th – Wednesday, March 26,2014 including two Saturday morning field trips as follows: Saturday, February 22 and March 16, 2014. TIMES: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM LOCATION: ACC Solid Waste Department Administration Building Training Room, 725 Hancock Industrial Way, Athens 30605 COST: $145 TO REGISTER: Contact ACC Cooperative Extension at (706) 613-3640

Finally, I’ve been told there is someone interested in opening a USDA Certified meat processing facility in the Athens area. Our meat producers are having to drive many hours, out of state, to find a suitable processing facility, and having one good one nearby would fill a huge hole in our local food system. If the topic interests you, please visit and complete this survey to help them gain information about the interest in such a facility. Share it with your friends that may be interested! https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/X62WV5Y

Thanks so much for your support of Athens Locally Grown, all of our growers, local food, and our rights to eat it. You all are part of what makes Athens such a great area in which to live. We’ll see you on Thursday at Ben’s Bikes at the corner of Pope and Broad Streets from 4:30 to 8pm!

Other Area Farmers Markets

The Washington-Wilkes Farmer’s Market in Washington is open every Saturday 9-12 behind the Washington Courthouse. Bishop has started their first ever “Bishop Central Winter Market” that runs every Sat. from 10-2 pm downtown Bishop, at Bradford Pottery on Hwy 441, from Dec 14 through Jan 18, featuring all local veggies, grass fed meats and cheeses, eggs, baked goods, farm crafts and more. The Athens Farmers Market has closed for the winter. You can watch for news during the offseason on their website. The other area markets I haven’t mentioned are also all closed for the season. We’ll be here all year round, however!

All of these other markets are separate from ALG (including the Athens Farmers Market) but many growers sell at multiple markets. Please support your local farmers and food producers, where ever you’re able to do so!

We thank you for your interest and support of our efforts to bring you the healthiest, the freshest and the most delicious locally-produced foods possible!