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Red Stick Farmers Market seeks support as local farmers recover


Among the homes and businesses destroyed by flooding in south Louisiana, it’s easy to forget all the crops and farmlands that were inundated as well.

According to BREADA Executive Director Copper Alvarez, about 15 farmers and food artisans who contribute to the weekly Red Stick Farmers Markets were directly impacted by the floods. They lost homes, farm buildings, equipment, crops and much of their soil.

Though the Aug. 13 farmers market was cancelled that weekend because of the continued flooding, Alvarez says the following Saturday farmers market saw some of the fewest customers she has ever witnessed, dealing another blow to the local farming community.

Morrow Farm in Ponchatoula a few days after the floods. Photo provided by BREADA
Morrow Farm in Ponchatoula a few days after the floods. Photo provided by BREADA

“So for farmers trying to keep our market going, it was also devastating,” Alvarez says in an email. “I’m hoping it will get better, but the impact on our population will definitely make an impact on sustaining farmers.”

Fortunately, as Alvarez gathered reports from farmers who were working to rebuild, all livestock had been accounted for and moved to dry land.

In the meantime, BREADA is working to promote the Louisiana Small Farm Survival Fund, which was first established after Hurricane Katrina to support small family-owned farms, fishers, food artisans, chefs and others who are often not eligible for federal disaster loans.

Coordinators of the fund assess losses and damages to farms and provide direct grants to Louisiana farmers in need.

Find out more information on the fund here.


Support and stock up

The Saturday Red Stick Farmers Market is still a go for this weekend, Aug. 27. Alvarez says they are hoping to see the Vicknair Family Farm return with tomatoes this weekend. The farmers market is 8 a.m.-noon between Fifth and Main streets next to the Main Street Market. Find out more about the market here.