Friday, Saturday and Sunday October 24-26, 2008

In between the keynote sessions, workshops and evening entertainment, don't forget to take a break to enjoy the local farm bounty featured in the Friday, Saturday and Sunday Bioneers by the Bay Farmers Market. The market will feature a wide variety of local products including fall vegetables, crisp local apples, tangy apple cider, delicious baked goods perfect for a quick snack, jams, jellies, chutneys, and relishes [all perfect for a take-home gift], honey, eggs, plants and flowers, and more!

The market is just one more way we’re making sure that the Bioneers by the Bay conference contributes to sustainability in our community. Sponsored by the Marion Institute and Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership, the market will be open to the public during the entirety of the conference.

Farmers' markets are one of the best and most convenient ways to "buy local" and put more of your dollars back into the local community. While the mainstream food system returns only about 20 cents on the dollar to the person who actually grew the food, farmers markets allow local growers to retain a much greater share of the value of the food they produce.

Therefore farmers markets help small diversified farmers stay in business, which contribute to our communities, quality of life, food security, and the flavor of our meals! Farmers markets also let you know your grower, putting a face to the food you eat and letting you learn how your food was grown and where it came from. The vast amount of energy used in the U.S. food system goes transporting food. Produce in the U.S. travels, on average, 1300 - 2000 miles from farm to consumer. Local food systems can reduce "food miles" and transportation costs, offering significant energy savings.

Consumers also benefit from fresher, better-tasting, and more nutritious food. And last but not least, farmers markets make shopping fun again! Studies show that farmers market shoppers have more in-depth and informative conversations than supermarket shoppers (you probably already knew that!), and you can skip the fluorescent lights and windowless aisles. No wonder there's been a huge boom in farmers markets nationwide over the last decade, with over 3,000 markets nationwide generating over $1 billion in product sales.

The Farmers Market is yet another way in which Bioneers by the Bay is helping our community connect for change.

All times and events are subject to change.