Meet Mark Anderson | Farmers’ Market Operator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mark Anderson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mark, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

I spent a few years as a small farmer, selling vegetables at local Los Angeles farmers’ markets. This work gave me invaluable, firsthand insights that led me to open my own farmers’ markets. Specifically, I developed an awe-inspired appreciation for the challenges of being a professional farmer! I also learned to love  the (clearly) superior quality of fresh, locally grown produce. Why settle for a tomato picked green three weeks ago, shipped thousands of miles and stored in a refrigerator when you could enjoy one picked the day before, perfectly ripe, from a local farm. The flavor will not compare and the nutritional value will be superior! I fell in love with local farmers’ markets and found them to be the most amazing places. They are outdoor oases serving as contemporary town squares. They are important distribution channels for small farmers (and artisan food and crafts business) and play a key role in vibrant local food systems.

My farming experience created a passion inside me for supporting small farmers and promoting healthier food choices. Seeing my skillset could better support small farmers and the local food system by running quality, farmer first, markets, I transitioned from farming and dedicated my personal and professional life to the support of local farmers’ markets. You never know where life will take you. Life had very randomly led me to transition from an investment banker in the Midwest to a Southern California farmer within a few short years. Never could have predicted that change, but I’m very thankful today!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My brand is Farmer Mark, which is my moniker. However, my brand is not really about me. Instead, I am just the representation of the many small local farmers I strive to support. I’m in the business of connecting you to these local small farmers. I do this primarily by organizing and running Certified Farmers’ Markets. Many people don’t know who actually runs their favorite farmers’ market. In fact, many don’t think anyone runs them – that they run themselves. Let me just say that it takes a lot of work behind the scenes to put on these weekly events for the community. My goal is to facilitate your connection to your local food source and help promote the importance of this decision to choose locally grown food. A community can only be as healthy as its food. Together, we can build healthier communities through healthier food choices.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Farmers’ markets of course! We are blessed in Los Angeles to have such amazing growing conditions that support year round farmers’ markets with vibrant crop selections all twelve months. I’d take my guest to the largest markets around in Santa Monica (Wednesdays) and Hollywood (Sundays) to have them appreciate the breadth of Southern California crops but also would take them to smaller markets that capture the essence of the small communities they reside, such as Playa Vista (Saturdays) and Westwood Village (Thursdays). In my view, a visit to a farmers’ market isn’t a grocery store “to-do” list” errand. It is a chance to linger in the fresh sun-filled air, connect with locals, chat it up with farmers, learn how to cook something new, etc. Usually it prompts a subsequent adventure in the kitchen. As a local foodie, all our restaurant selections would center around the farm-to-table vibe. One of my personal favorites is Hatchet Hall in Culver City. I’d also plan a trip to a local farm. One of my favorites is Grow Good, an urban farm, located about 12 miles from downtown. Great place to volunteer for an urban farm experience.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to give a shoutout to Michael Pollan and his book, The Omnivore’s Dilemma. It opened my mind to the importance of knowing where your food comes from. Food is such a key factor in our health. We should all take careful ownership of what we put into our body. as not all food is created equal. The Omnivore’s Dilemma built a great foundation for my budding farmers’ market passion, which helps people connect to their food and where it comes from.

Website: www.farmermark.com

Instagram: gofarmermark

Facebook: gofarmermark