Edible Columbus Summer 2011 : Page 22

At the FARMERS MARKET The Olde Worthington Farmers Market Wayward Seed finds an abundant niche in Olde Worthington By Adam Welly | Photography by Brad Smith I have always marveled at Worthington’s colossal commitment to its market. It is an enduring symbol of the local food movement, and it was a catalyst for my farm to develop our community-supported agriculture program. Sharing my personal experience as a vendor could help illustrate the importance of this marketplace to the greater Columbus community. I came to Worthington in the spring of 2007 as a new vendor with little over a year in the produce business. I was warmly welcomed by fellow vendors and found myself in the Graeter’s parking lot next to an eclectic mix of bakers, vegetable farmers and other artisans. That year we emerged as one of the more unique producers and had consistently long lines, especially for our carrots and beets. We developed a group of regular customers who came back week after week. I noticed something fascinating after our ﬁrst year at the market: Our customers didn’t just show up to buy a $2 bunch of beets and hurry away to the next vendor. Folks milled around and conversation turned to the hot topic of local food. As many of you know, I’ll never turn down a long, in-depth discussion about our challenges as food producers. This atmosphere of community was solidiﬁed in 2009 when Snowville Creamery set up their stand adjacent to ours in front of House Wine. I had only met Warren Taylor a few times at chef and farmer events throughout the city. We both had a profound respect for agriculture and it was quite exhilarating to feel his passion for our movement. Between the Wayward and Snowville stands, Saturday mornings in that parking lot were akin to a foodstuﬀ revival. Conversation centered on a variety of topics such as GMOs, heirloom foods, composting and local food histories. We also talked at length with our customers about authors, most notably Michael Pollan and Barbara Kingsolver, whose books played an integral role in creating consumer advocacy. Looking back, it was one of the deﬁning moments that helped Wayward Seed Farm center its focus on community engagement. One of the best aspects of the market in Worthington is the diversity of producers. It is deﬁnitely an incubator for new producers. It is 22 SUMMER 2011 edible columbus

At the Farmers Market

Adam Welly

The Olde Worthington Farmers Market Wayward Seed finds an abundant niche in Olde Worthington Photography by Brad Smith I have always marveled at Worthington's colossal commitment to its market. It is an enduring symbol of the local food movement, and it was a catalyst for my farm to develop our community-supported agriculture program. Sharing my personal experience as a vendor could help illustrate the importance of this marketplace to the greater Columbus community. I came to Worthington in the spring of 2007 as a new vendor with little over a year in the produce business. I was warmly welcomed by fellow vendors and found myself in the Graeter's parking lot next to an eclectic mix of bakers, vegetable farmers and other artisans. That year we emerged as one of the more unique producers and had consistently long lines, especially for our carrots and beets. We developed a group of regular customers who came back week after week. I noticed something fascinating after our first year at the market: Our customers didn't just show up to buy a $2 bunch of beets and hurry away to the next vendor. Folks milled around and conversation turned to the hot topic of local food. As many of you know, I'll never turn down a long, in-depth discussion about our challenges as food producers. This atmosphere of community was solidified in 2009 when Snowville Creamery set up their stand adjacent to ours in front of House Wine. I had only met Warren Taylor a few times at chef and farmer events throughout the city. We both had a profound respect for agriculture and it was quite exhilarating to feel his passion for our movement. Between the Wayward and Snowville stands, Saturday mornings in that parking lot were akin to a foodstuff revival. Conversation centered on a variety of topics such as GMOs, heirloom foods, composting and local food histories. We also talked at length with our customers about authors, most notably Michael Pollan and Barbara Kingsolver, whose books played an integral role in creating consumer advocacy. Looking back, it was one of the defining moments that helped Wayward Seed Farm center its focus on community engagement. One of the best aspects of the market in Worthington is the diversity of producers. It is definitely an incubator for new producers. It is also a crossroads where a new generation of sustainable agriculture producers who specialize in products like salad greens and root vegetables interface with multigenerational fruit and vegetable farms. I've always raved to friends and customers in Columbus about the meat producers there as well. When we started Wayward we were really naive about what it was possible to produce with organic method practices, especially on a new farm. I thought that we were somehow recreating the wheel with our methods. I didn't especially think that we had a lot to learn from our fellow producers and farmers who used conventional practices. Instead, I found they were championing our success through sage advice on topics like marketing, infrastructure and, most importantly, patience. Farming is really a lesson in accepting both failure and success. All of the producers at Worthington share one characteristic above all: We are optimistic. We believe the industry and the social movement is growing in size and, more importantly, becoming more transparent to the consumer. We are there every Saturday morning getting to know your families and exchanging ideas to make the system stronger. Best of all, the food at Olde Worthington Farmers Market is fantastic in quality and quantity. I look forward to reconnecting with friends, customers and colleagues this summer. Best wishes, Adam Welly, co-owner of the Wayward Seed Farm Marysville, OH For more information about the Olde Worthington Farmers Market visit owba.net. And to learn more about Adam Welly and the Wayward Seed Farm, visit waywardseed.com.

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