CAFM HAS BEEN FORMED!!

Yesterday, Barbara and I filed the Articles of Incorporation for the non-profit 501 C-6 to be called Certifed Arkansas Farmer's Market. We also received formal permission from the landowners, and filed a request with the city for a conditional use permit.  It goes before the NLR planning commission on March 19th, then to City Council on April 8, 2008. Our attorney, Bob Hardin (no relation) is amazing and a local food lover, who lives nearby the new market site.  He's working hard to get everything in place, then we expect to hold our first organizational  meeting with farmers to set the policies, amend bylaws, and elect officers, etc... I'll try to collect as many email addresses as possible, and do a blanket email to let people know we've posted the meeting time and place on ARKANSASFOOD.NET. We hope to have six to eight Charter members get this new market off on a good foundation, with strict adherence to our producer only policy.  And of couse, I want to keep everyone informed at every critical juncture, so you will know we are doing what we say we are going to do.  We are building a better local food network. We need your help to spread the word. 

Jody Hardin
Market Manager, Certified Arkansas Farmer's Market

Things could be going faster, but I'm having some back issues that have me going much too slow, and miserable.  Work is piling up and I'm afraid I'm getting behind on some things.  Nevetheless, progress is being made thanks to the volunteers and many loyal BAM members! 

I'm working on the February basket, but most of my time is spent thinking how we can make Argenta Market work for us and the building owners. Everything and everybody tells me it is too risky, but its the fact that so many potential customers from Argenta have told me it will be well received. I can see the new ALL Arkansas Farmer's Market working well in the new location, and ample parking will draw the crowds from the River Market. In conjunction with the many restaurants and our new Argenta Market opening at the same time, something good is going to happen with Argenta this summer. I'm moving ahead with BAM, and know that this will be our main attraction, while I'm studying the product mix for Argenta Market.  This store is about local food in a very true sense, and as long as this is what it is all about, I couldn't be more engaged and determined to make it happen.  This is what it will take. For all those who have been so committed to supporting our small but growing effort to distribute local food from local farmers, we do this for YOU. And, we know there are many more out there who want to eat local.  It only take a few committed customers like so many have been for the past two to three years to keep the momentum going.  >>Jody 2/5/08