Interview: From Farm to Fork for Over 45 Years
The Modesto Certified Farmers Market first opened on July 7th, 1979, now 46 years strong and still located on 16th Street between H & I Streets. Ray Rodgers and Ron Alves, both MJC Ag Instructors, and then-Mayor Peggy Mensinger organized the Farmers market, which began with only a dozen vendors. It now hosts a year-round market on Saturdays, and beginning again on April 2nd, the Thursday market reopens, both open 8 am-1 pm. I had the pleasure of asking Shiela Burch about their role in running the Modesto Certified Farmers Market and what it means to her and our community. Shop
MV-When did you take the helm at the Farmers Market? What new things have you brought to the event? What drives your passion for the Market?
SB-I started out as a vendor at the farmer’s market. I served as a board member for several years before transitioning to the administration and management of the farmer’s market. I have managed the market since 2019. At the end of 2020, we decided to make the Saturday farmers market year-round; it was long overdue. The Thursday market remains seasonal, running from April to October…