So, I was talking to another farmers' market vendor today and apparently he was cornered by another farmer in the supermarket, who made some sort of suggestion that I'm running some shady, communist-type operation out here in South Dakota.

I run an organic CSA (community supported agriculture) operation--this year is the first year. So far it has been successful, and I've enjoyed some free publicity on the radio and in one of the larger state papers. The problem is, now the "real" farmers seem to think I'm some kind of damned hippy upstart know-it-all. When really, I'm trying to learn all I can from them (that works within organic standards) and working my tail end off to make this thing go. Now I'm getting dirty looks in the grocery store, and enduring questions about my business' legitimacy.

Now, I know that sticks and stones adage, but jiminy xmas! Can't we be supportive of each other?

At least my friend in the grocery store stood up for me--and maybe will start people thinking before they spout out their uninformed suspicious tripe.

Argh! Just had to relate that hopefully to some who will understand this kind of "organic" situation. ?:|

Learned a long time ago...

Dogs howl at the moon, donkeys bray at the rain, and people talk outta turn--and sometimes they make about as much sense as the dogs and donkeys!

People can be so infuriating, can't they?!?!

You have my sympathies hon.

Wow, isn't that amazing???? Thirty years ago it was that way in California. Damned hippies growing things without pesticides, who do they think they are? It's such a shame that any change is a threat instead of a learning opportunity. It does seem that there is a flurry when there's been some public recognition.

There seems to be less of a gap in understanding and competition here now between traditional farming methods and organic ones, and there's room for everyone. No one is made to feel more or less worthy. And I think it's the hard working "growers" who, in the end, respect and understand each other, regardless of the methods they use. As soon as they know you as a person and not "That Organic Fella" it will get better.

Have an "Open House" for the people of the community, and have them come over and sample the goods.
Welcome them with open arms so they will be able to open their minds in response.

Daer Pinko-Commie-Hippy-Tree-hugging-upstart,
So glad to hear you are having success your first year !!! Check-out if EquityTrust, Inc. is still online. In the past they have supported CSA's all over the country with everything from grants to ag land conservation easements. I believe the executive's name is Ellie Kastanopolous.

How many shares/members do you have? what are you growing?

Success is the best model (okay...revenge).

Hey FTF, I can relate! :^O

You gotta remember, change comes slow here. You know, things like, you're still a newcomer if you've only lived in the area for 20 years! It's great you have friends who will stand up for you.

I get some pretty funny looks when I tell folks I garden organicly. At least you have enough community support to do a CSA thing. That's something that would never go over in my neighborhood.

The open house idea is terrific. When you're dealing with a bunch of hard-headed farmers (I can say that, I come from a long line of them ) it's best to show them what you can do.

Did the bad weather you had last week do any damage? My daughter was down there for Girls State and she said there was a lot of rain.

Is there any way you can diplomatically ask them how their great-grand parents and all the farmers before to the beginning of agriculture ever managed to bring in a harvest? Do they or their parents have any memory of dust storms? Well, maybe you shouldn't bring this stuff up if you want to preserve the peace.
But huzzahs and hoorays for the Farmers' Markets!
jo

Donkeys bray at the rain? really? wow

Well, of course, you ARE a communist. You're running a collective where people own shares in the outcome. But never mind that. Take the sage advice above and let time sort things out, let them get to know you.

When we went organic at the Hermitage, nobody dared roll an eyeball because Andrew Jackson did it that way. And HE took cues from Thomas Jefferson, who believed (and wrote) that you need never feed the plant, feed the soil.

If your plants are pest-ridden and looking poorly, feed manure to the soil, he wrote to his daughter once from the White House. The exact quote can be found on the Monticello website which I'm too lazy to look up. :^O

Thomas Jefferson was such a hottie!!

Beats me--just thought it sounded good with the rest fo it!

Hang in there Tomato!! They will see the light...sooner or later.

Thomas Jefferson would have been an awesome man to know. Monticello is a beautiful place to visit, the gardens are out of this world.