Written by Mary Liz Mulligan, Market Manager, Bronxville Farmers' Market

Nov. 12, 2014: Our thirteenth season is coming to an end. And what a bountiful season it was! After a late, cold, and wet spring, we had one of the best growing seasons I can remember!

As many of our customers know, the variety of vendors has increased. I have had a customer questionnaire available at the Bronxville Farmers' Market (BFM) for the past two weeks and asked simple questions: basically, what do you like and what don't you like about the BFM. I have not received one negative comment, but I have received many kind words about our vendors and what they have to offer. Phew!

When I think back to the early years of the market, it seems another lifetime. We still have three of our original vendors (The Orchards of Concklin, Morgiewicz Produce, and Rock Hill Bakehouse), and they have not missed one day in any season unless we had a late growing season and they had nothing to offer for the first couple of weeks or they had production issues at the bakery. We also started our season two to three weeks earlier in the past three years, at our customers' request.  

When I started the BFM, there were only four markets in Westchester. Now there are over seventy, and they still keep popping up all over. Our vendor criteria are strict:  a grower vendor must be from New York State or the Hudson Valley, and specialty vendors must have some ingredients in their finished product from this area.

I have opened the door a bit to allow locally processed olive oil and vinegar, since it complements much of what is available at the BFM. Our mission is to strive to simultaneously and equally serve consumers, farmers, and their host community in a manner that brings value to each and benefits all.

I turn away at least 80 to 90 vendors a year who call me to join the BFM every season. Farmers' markets have saved many in the farming community. As my bumper sticker says, "No Farms. No Food."

In reflecting on how my awareness has grown and tastes have changed since 2002, it is like day and night. I was not a totally convinced believer in organic products and meats from pasture-raised animals way back then. I certainly am now! The first time I tried meat from a pasture-raised animal, not being too adventuresome, I bought chopped meat. As soon as I put that burger on the grill, I was immediately transferred to my childhood. The aroma is undeniable. Then the taste . . . I had gotten it! 

After doing more research on my own, I found the benefits of eating organic and meats from pasture-raised animals was something I was just not paying enough attention to. Yes, organic and pasture-raised are pricier, but, as they say, you get what you pay for. I highly recommend pulling up the article on Gaia's Breath Farms that I wrote for MyhometownBronxville.com this summer (click here: Gaia's Breath article). I also buy my produce from non-organic farmers at the market because I know they are not heavy-handed with the spraying of pesticides. If you ask, they will inform you what they use and how it is used. Another cliché, "you are what you eat," rings true!

I read something a few years ago that has stuck in my head. In France, the normal household spends 40% of its income on food. In the USA, we spend 20%. I now see the swing back to basic good eating happening. Supermarkets scare me! When I read labels and see what is available and what we are feeding our kids, I shudder.

I am glad the community is so supportive of the BFM. As I've always said, our vendors have my utmost respect. They are the hardest-working people I have ever come across! 

Our last market of the season is November 22, the Saturday before Thanksgiving. We lost our parking lot for the winter market and I did not find a suitable replacement space.

We return May 9, 2015. Same place. Same time. Stay tuned!

Pictured here: Vegetables displayed at the Bronxville Farmers' Market.

Photo by Mary Liz Mulligan, Market Manager, Bronxville Farmers' Market