Farm Credit donates $5,000 to PI market
PRESQUE ISLE — The Presque Isle Community Development Association and the city of Presque Isle recently announced a $5,000 donation from Farm Credit East and CoBank towards the construction of the permanent Public Market structure along Riverside Drive.
Farm Credit East Vice President and Branch Manager Peter Hallowell presented Ken Arndt, director of planning and development for the city, with the check on Dec. 23.
“This donation is a wonderful way to mark Farm Credit’s 100th anniversary promoting the growth and prosperity of agriculture in the United States,” said Hallowell. “Farm Credit East is part of the national Farm Credit System founded in 1916. We are proud sponsors of dozens of agricultural, community and civic activities and are pleased to add support of the city’s Public Market to our list.”
The Public Market began in May 2014 with the goal of encouraging healthy eating, making fresh produce more readily available and affordable, supporting local small farms, bringing more people downtown and enhancing the waterfront as a destination. The pavilion, currently under construction thanks to several grants, is intended to be a multi-purpose structure that, in addition to housing the market two days a week during warm weather, can also be used for music, arts and festival events.
Arndt stated, “The Public Market is still young, having only completed two seasons. However, the market offers quality produce and works from outstanding local artisans.”
According to city officials, public markets have been shown to support the local economy, create jobs and keep dollars local. The Union of Concerned Scientists reports buying local produce means it travels more quickly from the farm to the plate and is, therefore, fresher and of better quality. Studies also show that consumers visiting farmers’ markets located downtown will visit at least one other business while there.
Farm Credit East is committed to agriculture in the Northeast. In its seven-state territory (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New York and New Jersey), Farm Credit serves the agricultural, commercial fishing and forest product industries. For more information contact Hallowell at 764-6431 or visit the website at www.farmcrediteast.com.
For more information on the Public Market, contact Arndt at 760-2727 or visit www.presqueislemaine.gov/public-market.
