Building ‘Netmarkets’ to Support Producer Viability

How can networks be used to support producers' economic viability?
Changemakers Day
August 29, 2008

‘Coopertition’ is how some farmers describe the act of supporting, while simultaneously competing, with your neighboring family farms. Longstanding methods such as farmers markets, as well as innovative models including websites, presidiums, regional trade shows and local grower-centered distribution ventures – are all emerging with new twists on the traditional communal support farmers have always provided each other. Speakers will explores the creative and vital ways that networks of farmers and their representatives are coming together to support the economic and cultural vitality of family farming as a whole.

Moderator: Aliza Wasserman, Community Alliance with Family Farmers
Panelists: Laura Avery, Santa Monica Farmers Market Manager/ Supervisor; Paula Shatkin, Slow Food Russian River; Jim Slama, FamilyFarmed.org; Tom Willey, TD Willey Farms

A report from the Good Food on KCRW blog: "Our own Market Report host Laura Avery is participating on the panel, Building 'Netmarkets' to Support Producer Viability."