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6-16-2004 |
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Local farmers and gardeners who supply the Logan Farmers' Market have lost their spring plantings and Johnny Mendez is concerned he will have a difficult time finding the fresh, local produce demanded by his patrons. "Quite a few of the folks that supply me lost their gardens, or parts of their gardens," said Mendez, who owns Johnny's Market at the Logan Farmers' Market. "That includes the early stuff - the beans and corn and other popular items." Mendez added that he lost a large portion of his own garden, which lies along the relatively level creek banks. "I can replant, but I can't make up for lost growing time," he said. Mendez said he counts on 50-70 different growers from Logan, Mingo, Boone, Lincoln and Wyoming Counties to supply him throughout the season. Nine have already contacted him to say they have lost substantial portions of their gardens. He estimated that 60 percent of his suppliers have suffered some level of loss due to recent flooding. It's critical to have as constant a supply of produce as possible, according to Jean Smith, Director of Marketing and Development for the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA). "Shoppers want local produce, but they also want the convenience of being able to find what they're looking for when they're looking for it. Otherwise, they'll shop at the grocery store," said Smith. "I really encourage anyone who has extra produce in southern West Virginia to call the Logan Market and talk with Manager Joy Vance." According to Mendez, approximately 90 percent of the growers that supply Mendez are senior citizens who grew up gardening and can now supplement their incomes from what they sell or consign to Johnny's. Many of their peers will be adding demand for local produce in the coming month as the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) goes into full swing throughout the state. Eligible seniors will be provided with vouchers good for $20 worth of locally grown produce. For right now, Mendez will be especially diligent in one of his
ongoing job duties - recruiting new producers. "I encourage
farmers I know to grow extra produce. I stop and talk to people
I see working in their gardens," he said. "It looks like
I'll be doing more of that." Contact: Buddy Davidson The West Virginia Department of Agriculture protects plant, animal and human health through a variety of scientific, regulatory and consumer protection programs, as mandated by state law. The Commissioner of Agriculture is one of six statewide elected officials in West Virginia. Currently, Commissioner Gus R. Douglass is the longest-serving agriculture commissioner in the nation. For more information, visit www.wvagriculture.org. |
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