Tommy Tomato Responds to Picketing by the Tropical Fruit Family Coalition

Representing Marin Farmers Market (MFMA) is Tommy Tomato. He is a vine-ripened heirloom tomato currently growing on an organic farm in Sonoma County. He is a strong advocate for local agriculture and eating what’s in season.

The Tropical Fruit Family Coalition recently picketed at the Marin Farmer Market. Below is a letter from their members, followed by a Q & A with MFMA representative, Tommy Tomato.

Local Shmocal! It has come to the attention of the Tropical Fruit Family Coalition (TFFC) that fruits and vegetables grown outside of California are not allowed to be sold at the Marin Farmers Markets. We feel that this is discriminatory. Your motto “fresh and local” leaves us out. We’re fruits too, with feelings just like the rest of you “California Grown” crops. Why are we confined to the grocery store while you locally grown fruits and vegetables get to enjoy being outside at the farmers market? We demand an explanation!

-The Tropical Fruit Family Coalition

So Tommy, Why are tropical fruits not allowed at the Farmers Market?

I feel the need to clarify that we local fruits and vegetables hold no prejudices against tropical fruits. We are great partners and often come together to make memorable meals. Because of climate and growing conditions, these fruits are not grown in California and therefore cannot be sold at our farmers markets. Although we love tropical fruits, we are committed to following the rules set by the California Department of Food and Agriculture for Certified Farmers Markets and Certified Producers. It’s nothing personal.

What is a Certified Producer Certificate?

It’s that white piece of paper that hangs in a plastic holder at every farmer’s booth. You may never have noticed it before, but it’s actually really important. Before a farmer can sell at a Certified Farmers Market, they have to register what they grow with their county’s Agricultural Commissioner. They list the crops they grow, the numbers of acres they cultivate, harvest seasons, and how much they produce. We have 34 California counties represented at the Marin Farmers Market. I’d like to know how many COUNTRIES are represented by the Tropical Fruit Family Coalition, and how many thousands of miles your members travel to get here. The bigger question is, how do you afford the gas?

It sounds like you’re really passionate about local agriculture, Tommy. Do most localists share your commitment?

Eating locally is easy for me. After all, I’m a tomato. Sun, soil, water, and some nutrient-rich compost is about all I need. Quite honestly, I don’t envy the tough decisions humans have to make when it comes to buying their food. Produce is coming from everywhere these days; some fruits and vegetables are more well-traveled than the people who eat them.

I know that farmers market regulars take great pride in eating what’s in season and grown locally here in California. But even the most die-hard locavore probably enjoys an occasional banana. The most important thing to me is that people think about where their food is coming from and make an effort to purchase locally-grown first. A Certified Farmers Market is the perfect place to walk your talk when it comes to doing your part for the planet.

So, come down to the Marin Farmers Market to taste what the small family farms of California are growing. You can buy your pineapple somewhere else if you must. But fill the rest of your fruit bowl and your veggie bin with the freshest produce from your local farmer. There’s a reason why our motto is “fresh and local.”

For more information on how to become a Bay Area Locavore please visit the following links.

Locavore Website

Eat Local Challenge Website