Farmers’ Market welcomes a new director

Welcome Bob D’Alessandro, Boulder County Farmers’ Markets’ new executive director. We checked in to see what kind of agricultural background he has, what he has planned for the upcoming year and whether he plans on making any changes for BCFM.

BW: Prior to heading up the Boulder County Farmers’ Markets, what were you doing?

Bob D’Alessandro: Since moving to Boulder in 1977, I have founded two not-for-profit organizations and have served either as executive director or on the board of directors of several others. Mostly these organizations have focused on preventing destructive behaviors/promoting healthy development of children and adolescents — two sides of the same coin. Between April 2000 and June 2003, I served as the executive director of Chautauqua [the Colorado Chautauqua Association]. After leaving Chautauqua, I took on various consulting jobs focused on adolescent drug abuse prevention, working from a home office so that my wife could work and I could be the stayat-home parent to our 2-year-old son. Once my son started elementary school, and also because my in-laws moved to Boulder, I began looking for something that was community-focused and matched my interests in healthy, sustainable living and/or preserving our environment at the local level to which I could apply my skills in not-for-profit planning and management. Fortunately for both of us, the Boulder County Farmers’ Markets were looking for the very same values and skills around the same time.

BW: What background do you have in agriculture/farming?

BD: From my answer to the first question, you would think I had no previous background in agriculture. As it turns out, prior to moving to Colorado, I was involved in the start-up and management of one of New York City’s early organic foods co-ops. Shortly thereafter, I left NYC and purchased a 30-acre farm in upstate New York, where I failed abysmally as an organic farmer. My one success was in raising a couple of pigs. If I try real hard, I can still smell their nitrite-free bacon frying on the wood-stove. It was this snowy, cloudy central New York farm experience that led to my relocation to Colorado’s 300 days of sunshine.

BW: What will BCFM be doing differently in 2010?

BD: BCFM will be mostly doing the same things it has done in the past, while allowing me to accumulate hands-on experience at both the Boulder and Longmont markets. Getting a new executive director is enough change for one year. One thing I’ve learned over the years is to not come into an organization and make changes before I have a thorough understanding of its history and operations. BCFM will be 24 years old this summer, so there’s a lot of history for me to absorb.

BW: Are there any exciting changes to look forward to at BCFM in the upcoming year?

BD: The gift and the curse of any farm operation, and therefore farmers’ market, is that they are almost totally dependent upon nature. Last year we had lots of spring snow and related crop damage, and our honey producers continued to face challenges. On top of that, the economy placed additional strain on local farmers who already struggle to earn a yearly income in seven months. Regardless, our farmers managed to broaden their selection of fresh, locally grown vegetables. Depending upon what Mother Nature serves up this season, I would expect to see the same quality produce with the possible addition of a few new varietals.

We have also received a record number of proposals from value-added food producers who would like to participate in the market. Space permitting, expect to see some new and different prepared food products available in both Boulder and Longmont.

BW: How does BCFM plan on competing with the healthy chain grocery stores (Iike Sprouts, Sunflower, Whole Foods) in the area?

BD: We don’t. The Boulder and Longmont Farmers’ Markets provide a unique marketplace for local growers who sell their freshly picked, mostly organic or natural, produce to the community. As a growers-only market, we do not allow our members to buy and resell produce. The majority of our grower members live and farm in Boulder County and are part of the local economy. We do allow growers from other Colorado counties to sell fruits, meats and eggs, and in some cases vegetables, at our markets, but they, too, must grow/produce what they sell. Our customers get to talk directly to the person who grew or produced their food, an invaluable exchange for both parties. Whole Foods, Sprouts and Sunflower markets provide a valuable service and contribute greatly to the natural and organic foods sector. They are, however, not farmers’ markets and, therefore, we do not view them as competitors.

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