Boston University
PAE-T2-12: Farmers' Market

The Boston University Farmers Market opened for its fifth year in 2012. The market has expanded each year, becoming a destination for the entire University community. Live music, student organizations and several special events have created a fun atmosphere for students, staff and faculty. The goal of the farmers market is to connect consumers to their food sources, emphasizing the importance of supporting local agriculture and producers, as well as introducing and fostering the notion of seasonality in New England. Equally important is bringing in local farmers and producers from surrounding communities and establishing a close relationship that fosters trust, understanding and reciprocity. By connecting local artisans, farmers, producers and artists, the local economy is stimulated and the University is engaged with the local agricultural and artisan community. The Community Supported Agriculture partnership continued into its second year with faculty, staff, and students taking advantage of a weekly supply of fresh produce.

In addition to the farmer's market, a University-wide farmshare or CSA (community shared agriculture) program started in 2010, offering avid locavores the opportunity to order a weekly box of seasonally harvested produce. Supporting local, sustainable agriculture by connecting the university community with New England farmers, artisans and producers is part of the mission of BU Dining Services. Dining Services partners with Ward’s Berry Farm in Sharon, MA to provide the BU community with the opportunity to order a weekly farmshare/community supported agriculture (CSA) box.