By Ken Williams, Solano Grown Board Treasurer
Benicia Community Gardens is delighted to spread the word about Solano Grown, a local, Solano-only Farmer’s Market–online and all year round. Solano Grown is a volunteer operated non-profit organization. Their goal is to support small crop producers of Solano County through an online farmer’s market specializing in locally grown produce. The virtual marketplace–in collaboration with the Horticulture Department of Solano Community College, which acts as its sole food hub–provides a venue for farmers to sell their products without having the extra cost of setting up at a Farmer’s Market or putting up their own websites.
Wildflower Honey from Pleasants Valley Honey Company
Mixed zuchinni from Robledo Produce (picked daily)
The marketplace is open through the winter, and is updated weekly. A quick check of this month shows farmers selling vegetables, fruits, starters, nuts, oils and vinegars, eggs, honey, and other natural goods.
To purchase locally grown speciality crop products from Solano County Farmers become a member of Solano Grown by going to www.solanogrown.org and signing up. Solano Grown is a non profit organization in support of local farmers offering on line ordering from the various farmers and pickup at the Horticulture Building 1000 at Solano Community College in Fairfield on Thursdays from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM. They also offer delivery to your home or work for an additional $5.00 per order.
The Solano Grown online marketplace opened in the spring of 2010. In 2011, Solano Grown was awarded a National Association of Counties Achievement Award for its creative marketing efforts. But its mission is about far more than a market. As a cooperative marketing organization, Solano Grown continues to connect consumers directly with producers and encourage the purchase of local specialty crop items, but it is also an educational resource. The organization promotes local consumer culture within the community. Its members volunteer with Youth Ag Day (held annually at the Solano County Fairgrounds). It is a presence at many community events to inform the public about the importance of buying local.
Solano Grown strives to support the local community, and a local organization needs local support! Are you a farmer, consumer, educator, or home gardener? Do you have an interest in supporting the organization with your ideas and contributions? Then come be a part of our local agricultural community. There are currently openings for volunteers and board members to nourish and support Solano’s growers and producers, and empower its consumers.
For more information about being a part of the Solano Grown organization, email Ken Williams at kennav27@aol.com.
