In Our Winter 2013-2014 Issue

Dear Reader,

Remembering back to 2007 when Rhode Island scored a first in Southern New England: One small winter farmers' market opened in Providence, with six participating farmers.

Fast-forward to winter 2013–14 and the growth is inspiring. This year Rhode Island has 10 winter farmers' markets open weekly, all within reach of the four corners of our small state. You rock, li'l Rhody!

What does it all mean? The boiled down version is that more farmers are producing foods throughout the year; more eaters are seeking out Rhode Island–raised products for their tables; and the state as a whole is inching forward towards a more sustainable community-based food supply.

What you don't get in the boiled down version is the tremendous hard work and dedication by the farmers, policy makers and local farm advocates who have continued to push Rhode Island forward, despite the financial, regulatory, legislative and zoning obstacles that have added challenges to collective goals. One of those hardworking individuals is Noah Fulmer.

Noah stepped down as executive director of Farm Fresh Rhode Island just after our fall issue went to the presses, so in this issue I wanted to be sure to extend Edible Rhody's thanks and appreciation to Noah, who handled the helm of Farm Fresh Rhode Island from 2006 until late August 2013. He leaves behind a stronger and more vibrant local food system as a result of his hard work, as well as an organization that is well-poised for the future as it seeks more and better ways to make local foods accessible to all Rhode Islanders.

As for those 10 local farmers' markets, you'll find one on Aquidneck Island, two in South County, three in the West Bay, one in the East Bay, one to the northwest in Chepachet and one in Pawtucket that's open twice a week, offering a larger, more expanded market on Saturdays.

At those markets there are scores of local farmers and producers waiting to see you every week (even when it's cold out, folks). Wondering what to do with all that local bounty? Check out the tempting recipes in this issue, plus our recipe archives at EdibleRhody.com for seasonal recipe ideas.

Another exciting highlight this winter is something we've been looking forward to sharing with you – Edible is heading to television! Don't miss The Victory Garden Presents . . . Edible Feast on public television this season. Each segment will feature inspiring, very edible stories of farmers and producers from around the country, cooking, gardening and more. We are excited to be bringing our mission and message to a wider audience and we hope you'll enjoy the program too. We'll be posting airtimes in our e-newsletter, on Facebook, Twitter and, of course, on EdibleRhody.com. In the meantime, stay warm, enjoy winter and savor all the stories within these pages.

Dig in!

Genie McPherson Trevor