To the editor:
A one-sentence paragraph in Anthony Brino’s article, “Presque Isle looks to emulate Boston, Fredericton with local market space,” (Star Herald, Aug. 18) calls for some clarification:
“A group of vendors also sells on Saturdays at the Aroostook Centre Mall on the outskirts of Presque Isle’s urban area.”
As president of the Presque Isle Farmers’ Market, I would like to clear up some apparent confusion among the public regarding the other “group of vendors.” We are not, as Brino’s article suggests, a nameless group of farmers hawking our wares in the hinterlands. We are the Presque Isle Farmers’ Market (PIFM), a dues-paying ($35 per season) membership organization run by elected officers accountable to a set of bylaws. Our market is managed by local farmers and producers who make decisions collaboratively, with all voices being equal.
The PIFM has been in continual operation at the Aroostook Centre Mall, at one of the busiest intersections in the city, for the past 15 years. We are affiliated with the Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets, an advocacy group that works to promote and educate about Maine’s local food movement. New vendors are welcome, subject to membership review and seasonal deadlines.
We currently have 16 vendors selling a variety of vegetables, meats, herbal apothecary, baked goods, eggs, Amish furniture, jewelry, organic dairy products and coffee.
The PIFM has in the past been invited to join the Riverside Public Market, but our members had some real concerns about their structure, policies, governance, costs and location. We chose not to sign on as a group, but left the decision to individual vendors. There are currently two vendors serving both markets.
The PIFM presents a vibrant, colorful collection of vendor booths offering healthful, local produce, education about sustainable agriculture, lively conversations about County production and County values. We are a destination, and have been for some time. Wander through our open-air market, enjoy the sunshine, talk with the vendors, meet your friends and neighbors, enjoy the camaraderie, every Saturday, 8:30-1:00 until mid-October.
Gail Maynard
Orchard Hill Farm, Woodland
President, Presque Isle Farmers’ Market
