Harlingen Farmers Market - Harlingen, Texas

[Rachel Butler]

For those of you that do not know, I am a Valley girl. No, not that Valley, the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. My paternal grandparent visited the RGV as Winter Texans, referred to affectionately as snowbirds. They decided to leave behind the harsh winters of Michigan to make the lush and fertile area at the Southern most tip of Texas their home. My grandfather, in particular, marveled at the year around growing season and the lovely moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. Some of their adult children soon followed and set up a lawncare business, Butler Bros. Lawn and Garden. On my mother's side, Grandma Garcia can't spit orange seed on the ground without an orchard sprouting up.

I love the Valley and was soooo excited to hear that someone had started a farmers market. Over the Christmas holiday, I had the pleasure of attending the 3rd Harlingen Farmers Market. Only in it's innaugural month, the turn out was better than I thought. My congratulations goes out the the farmers, promoter, and artisans that helped put this together.

The Valley is tough market. Before my first venture out the the farmers market, I spent lunch with one of my closest friends and her sister. I sat there and told Deb about my company, FOOGS.org, and our mission and my belief that all things have aligned in my life to place me here. To help people. To create a community, where with, our combined strength we can learn from and teach on another to become self sufficient, to become healthier and to bring back community. Her comments were that it's a beautiful story no doubt, but she was not sure how something like a FOOGS.org community would go over well in South Texas, or any real organic/sustainability movement. She really got me thinking and kept me on my toes. True friends, do this- Thanks, Deb!

I've spoken a little with friends and colleagues about the Hispanic Community in Central Texas and the Rio Grande Valley. I will go into greater detail about what I've discovered from personal experience, but it's better saved for another blog. I believe very strongly in good health, and I know that what you consume can have a major effect on your mood, mental clarity, physical body shape, your ability to deal with stress and, all in all, your ability to enjoy life.

Of course, I agreed that South Texas was a different market than Austin, but without a doubt you have to be willing to try something new... and honestly, farming, agriculture, animal husbandry, bartering is nothing new to this area. Growing up, farmers and merchants (dad being one of them) often traded seasonal veggies for services. The new part is the focus on organic, pesticide-free crops and getting the latest generations of Valleyites willing to make a trip to the Farmers Market in South Texas.

The key really is education and getting the word out and that brings me to my closing thoughts- I am so proud, happy and hopeful for the efforts put forth by creators and participants of the Harlingen Farmers Market . The website is informative, explaining what a farmers market is and why choosing local is important. Special thanks to Michael Mascha. This weekend, I will be attending another step forward - First day of the South Padre Island Farmers Market - Sunday 10:45. I will be the girl with a FOOGS.org shirt and a silly grin.

Thank you to participating farms/vendors:
Acacia Farms: Herbs, veggies, fruits
Tran Farms: Winter Mellon
Two Pines Farm: Radishes, cilantro, new zealand spinach, swiss chard, arugula, maybe a few zuchinni.
Tierra Viva Farms: lettuce, radishes, grapfruit, turnip greens, kohlrabi, and swiss chard
Gracia Farms: baby spinach, turnips, cilantro, radishes, and green onions
Polished Cornerstone Farms: Orange Blossom and Wildflower Honey
Yahweh's Farm: eggs

Until next time-
Rachel Butler, Using Powers for Good Instead of Evil!

[Yvone Martinez]

I know that table! She had the most wonderful teas and variety if mints. Plants I enjoy the fragrance of on a daily basis. Not to mention I will be having a chamomile lemon mint tea during the next cool front, complements of my vibrant health plants.

[Sharabella Fini]

Hi Rachel, wow, I really enjoyed reading your blog; so real and heartfelt. The world needs people with your kind of energy and spirit. I strongly believe that anything is possible, all we have to do is allow ourselves to have the vision; to hold on to it, come together and engage ourselves; it can happen anywhere, anytime. You are definitely a catalyst. Here is to balance on all levels; mind, body, and spirit.