This Saturday marks the launch of the farmers market season in Omaha. As many of you know, we have chosen to concentrate on our CSA this year instead of participating in a public market. At this point in our business, it makes more sense for us to spend time on the farm. We need to address our labor issues and work on our infrastructure.

As a farmer and an eater, I am thrilled by the growth in our local food system. This marks the fifth year of the Village Pointe Farmers Market. Previously, the only serious farmers market was the Omaha Farmers Market downtown. This year, there will be at least 12 markets through the greater metro area. That shows huge growth, not only among the general public, but for our local farms. I can only hope that this will affect out community’s respect and understanding for the importance of farmland near an urban center.

This weekend, we will hold our CSA Orientation. It’s the kickoff for our program, and our chance to meet the people who chose us as their personal farm for 2010. We’re very excited! (As a side note, we are taking names for the 2011 CSA lottery.)

And, lastly, I encourage everyone to start growing something of their own. No matter how many farmers markets, farms or CSAs we have, there’s nothing better than food you’ve grown yourself.

-Brian