There's a new president in town

NEWS RELEASE

ALGOMA FOOD NETWORK

***************************** Local farmer Martti Lemieux has been elected as the new president of the Algoma Farmers Market following Jeff Marshall, who served for four years.

Last year was one of the most successful summers yet for the market.

2009 was an exciting year for local food in Algoma, and the farmers market has become a focal point for the resurgence of sustainable agriculture in the area.

Originally from the Sault, Martti moved back here during the winter of 2008 with his young family to develop a diversified farm raising Icelandic sheep, pastured pigs and poultry, grass-fed beef and market vegetables.

Last year he and his wife Melanie drew considerable interest from market goers.

Their table featured organic vegetables and home baking, such as spelt scones, biscotti, cookies, butter tarts and pies from local in-season berries and produce.

Martti is a pragmatic and passionate advocate for growing the Algoma food shed and developing the local food chain and the robust economies they facilitate.

The new local food chain is distinguished by food that is produced, processed, distributed and sold using ecological, efficient and humane methods.

It's food that is fresh, rich in nutrients and taste and exchanged at a fair price between farmers and buyers.

The new president already has a plan of action which involves developing a holistic vision for the future of the farmers market while resolving space restrictions that keeps the market at its current size.

This, he envisions, would enable the market to handle the growth of new farmers in the area and expand both the diversity and volume of products available.

What a lot of people are starting to realize, he says, is that farmer's markets have become a viable place to purchase their weekly groceries, and for many it's become a new way of life.

The summer farmers market is located at the Roberta Bondar Park and will be opening June 5, the second Saturday in June, and will be open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays.

In July, the market will also be open on Wednesdays from 2 to 6 p.m.

"Come early, it's fresh and goes fast."

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