Thinking Outside the Booth: The Farmer's Market, a Public Market & Creating More Local Foods Options
On Friday, September 28, City Club’s Friday Forum will explore the “eat local” movement in a discussion with Scott Dolich and Ron Paul, moderated by Scott Exo.
Portland–indeed the nation–has a growing obsession with food. But not just any food; Portlanders are increasingly interested in consuming food from the local food shed. Consumers are demanding to know, not only what is in and on their food, but where it came from.
This increased interest has made Portland’s network of farmers markets bigger and stronger than ever, and citizens and activists are working to develop a year-round public market to further expand the offerings of our region’s bounty. But markets are about more than just food. Appropriately sited, planned and managed, they can create a critical mass of activity that enhances an entire area, increasing economic activity and connecting farmers to consumers.
But there are still many questions to be answered. What are the differences between a farmers market and a public market? What role should local government, citizen groups and the private sector play in both guiding and stimulating the creation of new markets? How should planning for markets be integrated with planning for other public spaces?
Dolich is a chef at Park Kitchen and vice-chair of the Portland Farmers Market. Paul is a chef, restaurateur and the consulting director of the Portland Public Market. The forum will be moderated by Scott Exo, executive director of the Food Alliance, a non-profit organization that works to create market incentives for sustainable agriculture.
