By Natalie Bazinet
Staff Writer
CARIBOU — Officials with Talk of the Town Farm of Connor and the Caribou Area Chamber of Commerce are looking to gather the area’s large- and small-scale farmers, crafters, growers and bakers for a highly conversational ‘meeting of the minds,’ so to speak, on Saturday, March 3rd.
Organizers of the informal event Candy Shrewsberry, owner of Talk of the Town Farm, and Jenny Coon, of Farmhouse Greenhouse and CACC director, stress that this is not a formal meeting, rather an opportunity for individuals to get together, share ideas and learn of opportunities to showcase their products — like at the Caribou Farmer’s Market.
The organizers observed at the last Caribou Farmer’s Market meeting that while agenda-based dialogue was productive, the exchange of ideas between farmers continued well past the meeting, even though it meant standing in a cold parking lot.
Shrewsberry and Coon are eager to encourage dialogue between area farmers as it can very easily lead to business opportunities, as Shrewsberry, Coon and Jan Grieco of Good Wives Produce at Hummingbird Farm found last year.
The three each had farm stands at the Caribou Farmers’ Market; Shrewsberry was selling goat’s milk, Coon and Grieco were selling vegetables and herbs; from casual conversation between the farmers came a brand new product: they combined Shrewsberry’s goat milk with the herbs and produce of Greico and Coon to develop expertly flavored chévre (which was a hit with the community).
As Coon explained, the March 3 meeting is a great way to network and meet fellow growers, gardeners, crafters, and farmers. Information about the Caribou Farmers’ Market will also be available for individuals looking to sell their products at the market.
The informal gathering will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Caribou Wellness and Recreation Center. Parents are welcome to bring their children and light refreshments will be served.
