Chicama Run Family Farm

Hi everyone -

Last week I sent out an email stating that we were not accepted into the Leesburg Farmer's Market for the Spring/Summer Season.  Thank you ALL who emailed me supporting us as we are and believing in us.  Those who know me and talk to me realize I am just not a very political person - we do what we do, follow the rules and such and really just enjoy what we do at the end of the day.

I wrote an email to the board of the Loudoun Valley Homegrown Market Association asking WHY we were not allowed back in the market after being in it for the last 3 years - how come we were all of a sudden "not in compliance" - especially since we have the paperwork to show that we followed their rules and regulations. Our farm has been inspected 4+ times over the last couple of years and pictures were even taken of our property.

Their response is to give me my time at their next board meeting, which is this Wednesday at 7pm, to show paperwork and to dispute this action.  I am going to go and speak - not only for myself but for other farmer's which this might be happening to.  The goal stated by the LVHMA is to support LOCAL farmers - pretty straight forward.  Yet as I look at the list of vendors for the markets - I see more vendors who live outside Loudoun County.  I have no problems with what these people bring in - I frequently buy from them myself!!  However, seeing a decline in the agriculture in Loudoun, I see the exclusion of ANY Loudoun County Farmer who meets the requirements as something that needs to be addressed.  There is more than enough business to go around and the people who are shopping these markets are LOOKING for LOCAL.

Joe wanted me to ask for you to come out to support me - but honestly though I would love the company I am not going to ask that.  I will however ask that if you have something on your mind that you would like to WRITE to the LVHMA board - please feel free to email me and I will print out each and everyone of the emails to take in.

As I write this I am unsure that I will join the market even if they allow me back in.  I have taken this personally as we have worked so hard over these last few years to make this farm work.  Never the less, the farm WILL be open on Saturdays throughout the season and we hope that you come out and visit us as much as you can!!

Thank you all once again for the support we have received over the last couple of weeks as this has been unfolding!  We honestly cannot do this without you!  3 years ago we were excited to have 50 people on our email list - now at nearly 600 - it's amazing!

Best wishes and thank you all!

The Sacco Family

http://www.chicamarun.com