Farmers Market Polls to Target Sustainability, Economic Impact

MOSCOW – Quick dot poster surveys of customers this summer will focus on economic impact and sustainability, the Moscow Farmers Market Commission determined at its regular meeting Tuesday.

The board also viewed its limited edition 50^th anniversary commemorative tote and calendar, which are for sale at the market info table and the market office in the city’s Haddock Building at Fifth and Washington.

In addition, there is one at-large community member vacancy on the board, said Amanda Argona, Moscow community events manager and staff liaison to the commission.

Customers will be surveyed regarding their spending at the market and other Moscow businesses on July 25 and Sept. 12, the commission decided in a unanimous vote. This information will inform the city of the market’s economic impact.

In addition, a July question will ask if vendor use of sustainable packaging is important; a September question will ask the primary reason for being at the market that day.

Commissioners generally expressed approval for biodegradable or recyclable packaging by vendors, and for banning single-use plastic. 

The market prevents vendors from using styrofoam. Because of state law, the city cannot prohibit use of plastic bags, Argona said, but the market may be able to. Some vendors already use biodegradable cutlery, it was noted.

Discounts cannot be offered to vendors for using sustainable packaging, Argona said, but signs that identify for shoppers those vendors who do could be a way to incentivize the practice.

In her manager’s report, Argona said commemorative calendars are selling for $25 and tote bags for $30, with a discount of $5 for both. Fifty calendars, with photos and memories of the market’s 50 years, are available. 

Proceeds go into the city’s general fund, designated for the farmers market, she said.

A second printing of this year’s free farmers market poster is available, after the first signed printing sold out.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Moscow Farmers Market Commission is July 7.