Cindy Talamantes, Manager of Los Alamos Farmers Market

By BROOKE DAVIS
Kiwanis Club

On April 7, the Kiwanis Club of Los Alamos was treated to a talk from Cindy Talamantes, Manager of the Los Alamos Farmers Market. She was introduced by Main Street and Creative District Communications Manager Jennifer Armstrong and discussed the history, operations, and challenges of the Market and its importance to the community.

The Los Alamos Farmers Market has been in operation since 1970 and is the oldest continuous Farmers Market in the state. It has resided in many locations over the years, such as the library parking lot, UPEX parking lot, and Central Park Square. The current location, which the vendors have been enjoying, is at Ashley Pond.

Talamantes said that a rule for what can be sold is that the items must be grown in or contain a New Mexico product. She inspects each farm that applies. The market charges a 20-to-25-dollar fee to apply. Vendors need to be certified and those that sell processed or ready-to-eat products must be insured. The market has seen a change of vendors every year and normally hosts around 25 vendors per week.

Aside from vendors, the Farmers Market hosts musicians, such as local jazz students, guitarists, and an accordion player. There is a community service booth where each group is allowed to come and meet with the community twice a year. Groups such as County Council, League of Women Voters, and PEEC have all attended. There is an art booth set up to entertain children and chess boards available. The White Rock Artisan and Farmers Market was introduced a few years ago to give more access to craftsmen and food truck vendors. In addition, there are December Holiday Markets in Los Alamos and White Rock. A partnership with the NM Farmers Market Association provides tokens given so that food stamps can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables.

The challenges this season are weather-related. The dry, warm weather and lack of snowpack is threatening small farm crops. Many acequias that irrigate these farms have been damaged and the paperwork needed to rebuild them is daunting.