A
New Era For Sappinton International Farmer’s Market
Partnership With Missouri Farmers’ Union Makes This
The First Farmer-Owned Farmer’s Market/Store In St.
Louis
In 1999, pork prices had dropped drastically and farmers
were getting only a nickel a pound. Russ Kremer, an Osage
County diversified farmer decided something had to be done.
He went to Jefferson City to try to help influence legislation
and met other desperate farmers. Literally, on the Capitol
steps, Missouri Farmers Union was born.
This group of desperate farmers believed that by starting
a Missouri arm of the National Farmers Union, they would
have a voice in both state and federal farm policy. They
decided that this was the best organization to represent
the interests of small family farms.
Three years after Missouri Farmers Union was chartered,
the members founded the Family Farm Opportunity Center for
the purpose of developing rural cooperatives to produce
and market value-added agricultural products. This organization
has successfully formed cooperatives for sustainably-produced
beef, pork, cheese and timber products. They are currently
developing a pastured-poultry cooperative in response to
tremendous consumer demand throughout Missouri.
Now, Missouri Farmers Union and Family Farm Opportunity
Center are bringing their special talents to St. Louis.
Beginning in December 2007, this 1200-member farmer organization
will partner with Tessa Greenspan, making Sappington Farmers
Market at 8400 Watson Road the first farmer-owned farmers’
market/grocery store in St. Louis.
The partnership will bring many opportunities to the St.
Louis market. Sustainably-grown foods will be sourced directly
from farmers. Missouri’s Best Beef and Heritage Acres
Pork cooperatives will present the consumer with sustainably
and humanely-raised meats grown with no hormones or antibiotics
ever. Many other natural products such as Morningland Dairy
raw organic cheese and East Wind nut butters will be added
to the store.
In spring, look for organically-grown herb plants, including
some hard-to-find varieties and heirloom vegetable plants
in addition to Sappington Market’s usual offerings
of quality plants.
Frequent events and Meet-the-Farmer days will enable consumers
to chat with producers directly and learn more about their
fresh, wholesome products. Missouri wines will be featured
and wine events will be held throughout the year. Outdoor
farmers market will be held on Saturdays on the parking
lot in season.
Natural and organic offerings will increase throughout
the store. Grain products, prepared organic foods, fresh
organic dairy products and organic frozen fruits and vegetables
will be featured.
Sappington International Farmers Market is just getting
better. Same great service, same commitment to quality,
but now it’s a farmer-owned farmers’ market.
Please stop by the store at 8400 Watson Road to see us.
Or visit online at www.sappingtonfarmersmkt.com. We will
also be hosting a wine and cheese tasting at The Healthy
Planet Natural Living Expo, Feb. 24. For more information
about our store, call 314-843-7848.
