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sil fuels. The extra packaging needed to from animals raised without hormones or can make its way into larger water sys-
ship the food contributes to our already antibiotics who have grazed on green pas- tems, potentially destroying the natural
overflowing landfills. By contrast, every- tures and in open fields – a stark contrast habitats of all wildlife.
thing sold by the Georgetown Farmers from the practices followed by large-scale
Market Association was produced right corporate agriculture, where animals live Small farmers markets have been in ex-
here in Central Texas – no planes or trains in cramped conditions and consume foods istence in the U.S. since colonial times.
required. they would not otherwise eat. The GTFMA has been around since 1984.
It is a 501(c)3 organization with six di-
Going to the farmers market on a regular Local markets like these have a tremen- rectors and about 45 members. In addi-
basis is not only one of the best ways to dously positive impact in our communi- tion to being the oldest Texas Certified
connect with the farmers, food artisans ties and on the planet. Chemical produc- Farmers Market in Central Texas, the
and your neighbors – it’s also a great way ers may have brought us “better living GTFMA is area’s only market which is
to discover amazing produce not typically through chemistry,” but this slogan does 100% producer-owned
seen in the average grocery store. Walk- not apply to all farming. Researchers have
ing past vendors, shoppers may encounter found people with neurological disorders Strolling through the temporary avenue
red, white and purple carrots, voluminous such as ALS and Alzheimer’s have larg- created by vendors’ tents, one is remind-
heirloom tomatoes and purple heads of er amounts of pesticides in their bodies, ed of European markets or of times long
cauliflower. Cheeses, meats and eggs come while chemical run-off from farmlands
Continued on the next page
ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG PHOTO BY GINGER PRZYBYS
AUGUST 2016 SUNRAYS | 39
