Santa Monica Farmers Markets Kicks Off Panel Discussion Series

February 20, 2013 -- Representatives of Santa Monica's Farmers Market will kick off their 2013 panel discussion series Thursday at the Main Branch Public Library.

The event, which will be held in the MLK Jr. Auditorium from 7 to 8:30 pm, will offer insight into the world of running a small organic food business.

The series, called “New Agtivists: Young Visionaries in Agriculture and Artisinal Food Production,” features several of those “young visionaries in agriculture and artisinal food production” discussing “their business philosophy, approach to sustainability and hopes for the future of local food,” officials said.

Thursday's panel features Nate Peitso from the Agoura Hills-based Maggie’s Farm, Nate Siemens from Santa Barbara's Fat Uncle Farm, Matt Parker from Shiitake Happens in Hermosa Beach and Paul Osher from Bean & Thyme, an artesian deli that sells at Santa Monica's and Beverly Hill's Farmers Markets.

All the panelists own and operate their own small farms or food-related businesses and sell their wares at Santa Monica's Farmers Markets.

“Granted, we should all eat better,” reads Bean & Thyme's website. “Often, though, farm-to-table cooking is either too formal or just won't sate a groaning belly.”

“Enter Bean & Thyme. We provide top-quality food to satisfy your palate, stomach, and conscience,” the site reads.

Shittake Happens, estabilished by Parker in 2008, specializes in organic mushrooms.

The proprietors of Maggie's Farm -- named for the Bob Dylan song -- can be found selling their wares, mostly lettuces and spices, all around Southern California. And Fat Uncle Farms specializes in almonds.

For more information about the series or Santa Monica's Farmers Markets visit http://www.smgov.net/Portals/FarmersMarket