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From
an economic point of view, a public market is an outstanding
small business incubator. Farmers sell produce at retail
rather than wholesale, and improve their cash flow by diversifying
into crops they can harvest in several seasons. For example,
New York’s Greenmarket, which is open year-round, has created
a whole new market in greenhouse-grown vegetables for winter
consumption |
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Allows
small farmers to conveniently sell to restaurants and institutional
markets by providing a central location, cooler space and loading
docks. These lucrative markets are difficult for small farmers
to pursue because of logistical problems with storage and delivery.
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Serves
as central clearing house for an information network to keep
restaurants and other customers up-to-the-minute on the availability
of fresh products |
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Protects
family farms from development by keeping them profitable. |
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Keeps
community dollars in community hands, rather than exporting
them to agribusinesses outside Oregon or, increasingly, outside
the United States. |
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Creates
a showplace for Oregon agricultural products, to build recognition
of Oregon as a "brand-name" source of high-quality foods and wines. |
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Provides
a beautiful facility for entertaining out-of-state and international
visitors and promoting Oregon products. |
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Establishes
common goals between urban and rural residents, who are generally
considered antagonists rather than allies in Oregon politics. Enhances
Oregon’s reputation as a place where people with different interests
can find common ground. |
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Reinforces
Portland's reputation as a city that approaches urban planning creatively.
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