At least 15 farmers and food artisans who contribute to the Red Stick Farmers Market in downtown Baton Rouge lost homes, farm buildings, equipment, soil and crops in the recent flooding in south Louisiana, BREADA Executive Director Copper Alvarez tells 225 Dine.
The flooding, described as 1,000-year event, also resulted in the cancellation of the Aug. 13 farmers market.
Alvarez says that when the farmers market returned the following Saturday it had the fewest customers she has ever witnessed.
“For farmers trying to keep our market going, it was also devastating,” she tells 225 Dine. “I’m hoping it will get better, but the impact on our population will definitely make an impact on sustaining farmers.”
To help family-owned farms, BREADA is promoting the Louisiana Small Farm Survival Fund, which was first established with the Baton Rouge Area Foundation in 2005.
The fund supports small family farms, food artisans, chefs and others not eligible for federal disaster loans. Coordinators for the fund provide grants directly to Louisiana farmers. After hurricanes Katrina and Rita, BREADA raised more than $200,000 for flood relief.
Read the full story. Make sure you get your fill of local culinary news each week by signing up for the free 225 Dine e-newsletter.
