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ALG Market Open for January 30


This post expired on January 27, 2024.

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

There’s nothing like a winter storm watch to remind us that we are not even half way through to spring yet. The current models have the worst of it just to the south of us, but there’s a chance we and our farmers could see several inches of snow this week. I heard several people say during the last cold snap, “At least it didn’t snow!” From the farmers’ point of view, snow is great. It provides a layer of insulation around the plants, keeping them at a chilly 32 degrees instead of the possibly much colder air temperatures that can kill the plants outright.

Winter is traditionally the time of year for farming conferences, since, in the past, farmers largely took the season off. That’s no longer the case, as the bountiful harvest offered at our market this week can attest, but it’s still the time of conferences. There are two coming up in the net few weeks you may be interested in. The first is offered by Georgia Organics, and is being held down in Tybee Island on February 21-22 this year. Not only is it a great conference for learning (I attended my first GO conference back in 2002 before I even put a single seed in the ground at my then new farm), but it can’t be surpassed for camaraderie and socialization with people who believe like we do in the re-building of sustainable local food systems. If you want to attend, you can find more information at their website here: http://georgiaorganics.org/conference. The South Carolina Organization for Organic Living has a much newer conference, but is even closer to us. It is being held on March 1st in Greenville. It is only one day, but it’s a jam-packed one. You can find more information here: http://www.scorganicliving.com/2014_Conference_Classes.html

Both of these conferences are not just for farmers, but also for those who want to help see their local food systems grow. Just by shopping at Athens Locally Grown, you’ve shown yourself to be one of these people. And we greatly appreciate that!

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!

Upcoming Events

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

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

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!