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The San Juan Island Farmers' Market Association supports the Nichols Street property as our preferred location for a permanent farmers market. Our members have reviewed and discussed the research and the alternatives for over a year.
The reason for this effort is that we need to expand the market space. We are busting at the seams, there is not enough room for all of the farmers and vendors that wish to participate. We have 44 members, and at most 40 slots in the summer market, and less than half of that for our winter market. The 2008 revenue total returned to the farms and lands of the islands was about $250,000. With more room and a better midweek market that will increase. More markets means more farms will stay active, preserving our open space. We also believe that the increased opportunity presented by the permanent market site in town will attract new farmers, as they will see that they can make a living in a community that supports their efforts.
At our February, 2009 member meeting the members of the San Juan Farmers' Market Association voted to support the selection of the Nichols Street location as our preferred site for a year around farmers’ market and agricultural facility. Like any organization, there was not, and will not be, 100% agreement from every farmer. But even those that have concerns support the group decision and are willing to work to make the chosen location succeed.
This site brings a significant number of positive benefits to the town, the farmers, the residents and our visitors:
1. Revenue neutral. Rents in lieu of property taxes will flow to the town.
2. An eyesore turned into a public facility. We believe this facility will bring a little sunshine to Sunshine Alley.
3. A market location with easy access to tourists, boaters and residents.
4. A convenient place for a weekday market, as our experience has shown that being in town is important for people stopping by on their way home from work.
5. A downtown location which our members and our customers have repeatedly stated is a critical factor for success in our community.
6. A central location for storage and delivery of local farm products to our local restaurants and other wholesale customers.
7. With easy ferry access, an opportunity for farmers from other islands to participate in our mid-week and winter markets.
8. All of our non-farm vendors purchase city business licenses.
9. Some of our members have become brick-and-mortar Friday Harbor businesses, hiring town residents and paying town taxes. The economic value of a business incubator based on local products cannot be overstated. It is a critical part of the economic viability of our community. Small businesses create jobs and bring tax revenues into our community. An in-town facility will enhance this important aspect of the market.
For several years our association has been reviewing and researching alternative sites, including the county fairgrounds. We even had our winter market at the fairgrounds for part of one winter. While it may serve the needs of the fairgrounds to have the farmers' market income, we feel the county fairgrounds is not in the best interest of the farmers, the town, our residents, or our visitors. Instead, help us be the anchor tenant in a facility that can revitalize Sunshine Alley.
Keeping the downtown vital, preserving historical structures, creating jobs, paying taxes, generating revenue to the city, keeping farmers on their farms. These are some of the real, tangible community benefits that will be gained from this good and proper use of public funds for the public good. We, the public will benefit, as will those who follow us in years to come.
Respectfully submitted;
San Juan Farmers Market Association
Alayne Sundberg, Quail Croft
President
Paul Lacrampe, Lacrover Farm
Secretary
Richard Foote, States Inn & Ranch
Treasurer