Goals and Definitions

Veggie Soul:The Urban Farmers' Market will operate weekly in West Dayton and Trotwood Ohio to support local gardeners, farmers, and agriculture benefiting the communities impacted the most by the food desert and food insecurities. The market is an outreach initiative of the Caressa L. Brown Holdings Company LLC and is committed to cultivating thriving communities through gardening and access to healthy, local food. 

Goals of the Veggie Soul Farmer’s Market include:

1) Addressing the food desert and food insecurity in the West Dayton and Trotwood communities

2) Strengthening the local economy by redirecting consumers' food dollars to local growers and producers

3) Incubating new, small, food-based businesses

4) Promoting the sustainable production, marketing, and consumption of local agricultural produce

5) Providing a community gathering place

6) Educating the community about local growing conditions and food crops as well as sustainable and organic growing practices

7) Promoting the nutritional and culinary benefits of eating local produce in season.

The predominant product emphasis will be on locally-grown and produced agricultural products defined as materials grown, farmed, produced, or wild harvested.

Fees:  (All producers are responsible for providing their own tents, tables, chairs, and other space needs including signage)

Monthly:

Gardeners  $25 per 5x5 tent space

Farmers  $30 per 10x10 tent space

Value-added  $35 per 10x10 tent space

Hot Food Producers and Food Trucks $40

Local Product: any product grown or produced within 150 miles of west Dayton and Trotwood communities

Majority Local Standard: a standard for Prepared Food Products which requires using locally grown, seasonal agricultural products whenever possible; 51% of ingredients (by weight) in Value-Added products (including food and non-food products that CAN be sourced locally) MUST be procured from a farm whose produce meets the “Local Product” definition above.

Naturally Grown: this grower practices organic principles of soil enrichment and are certified. The use of synthetic fertilizers or synthetic fungicides, pesticides or added hormones is prohibited.  Certified Naturally Grown farmers reflect a commitment to work within the natural biological cycles that are necessary for a truly sustainable farming system - a system that works in harmony with micro-organisms, soil flora and fauna, plants and animals, to maintain and increase the long-term fertility of soil, leaving it even more vibrant and alive for the next generation of farmers.

Organic: this grower practices strict organic principles of soil enrichment and pest control and is certified either by the state or a third party certification firm that has been approved by the Farmers Market Director and the Executive Director. Organic growers may use natural fertilizers, or synthetic fungicides or pesticides allowed by the law when a natural alternative is not available. Organic Value-Added vendors must utilize only certified organic ingredients and follow organic labeling requirements. 

Prepared Food Products: food and drink prepared in accordance with local, county, state, and federal regulations (either on-site or off-site) by chefs, bakers, confectioners, and beverage makers, and sold by these producers at the market. Producer: the farmer or grower of any raw agricultural product or the person who produces or makes any Value-Added product. 

Producer Cooperative: a legally incorporated collaboration of producers or growers who market their produce or agricultural products collectively. 

Sustainable: growers using the Sustainable label pledge to use primarily organic practices; however the term Organic is not used on their Veggie Soul provided signage since they are not certified. Veggie Soul advises consumers to ask these growers any questions they might have about their production practices, since it is hard to know how closely organic principles are followed. These products and practices may include supplemental, non-medicated, conventional feed with no growth hormones. Non-GMO feeds are desirable, but not a requirement. Conventional seeds may be used by producers who grow their own feed. Antibiotics may be used for emergency and sick animal care only. Animals must have daily access to pasture and shelter and must be able to express themselves.