The Economic Current
The Economic Current is a podcast designed for small businesses and entrepreneurs who want insight, resources, and local perspective. Through conversations with business owners and community leaders, we explore economic development in action so listeners leave better informed, more connected, and ready to engage in their community’s progress.
The Economic Current
Celebrating National Farmers Market Week: Market-Ready Mason
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What is Market-Ready Mason, and how does it affect you? Join host Tiana Dunbar as she sits down with Program Manager Tess Ellison to discuss MasonEDC's USDA-funded initiative aimed at strengthening local agriculture and expanding opportunities for Mason County producers and markets. Together, they answer common community questions, explain who the program is for, and share details about upcoming events, including the National Farmers Market Week celebration on Saturday, August 8, at the Shelton Farmers Market. Whether you're a producer, vendor, or simply enjoy supporting local food, this episode explores what the Market-Ready Mason program is, why it matters, and how it benefits our community.
#FMPP #MarketReadyMason #USDAGrant #EconDev #MasonCountyWA #MasonEDC
Check out:
PRESS RELEASE - Economic Development Council of Mason County awarded USDA funding
https://masonedc.org/news/farmers-market-promotion-program
Aug. 8, 10am-3pm, National Farmers Market Community Celebration event information
https://www.facebook.com/events/2272991420188660
Contact Tess Ellison for more information:
Tess@choosemason.com
Welcome back to the Economic Current, the podcast where we explore people, partnerships, and ideas shaping Mason County's economy. I'm your host, Tiana Dunbar, with the Economic Development Council of Mason County. Today we have a very special national farmer's market week episode in store for you all, as we will be diving into the Market Ready Mason, a new initiative made possible through USDA Grant that's focused on supporting local farmers, strengthening our food systems, and creating new opportunities for agricultural businesses across Mason County. Today I am joined by a fairly new face to Mason EDC, Market Ready Mason Program Manager Tess Ellison. Tess joins our organization as a recent graduate of economics from Gonzaga University. Go Zags. Tess brings a strong background in data analysis, community development, and a deep belief in the power of local food systems to create real economic opportunity. Tess is no stranger to the Pacific Northwest, as she has family roots right here in Mason County. We are so thankful to have you here with us at Mason EDC Tess, and we're so excited for all the plans that you have in store for this awesome grant program. Also, who knew you'd be on a podcast so soon, Tess?
SPEAKER_00How are you today? I'm doing great. Thanks so much for having me, Tiana. I'm excited to talk about Mason County Farms and Farmers Markets with you, and I'm really glad we're doing this during National Farmers Market Week.
SPEAKER_01I'm excited too, especially to put a spotlight on our local producers. So thank you so much for coming on the show. I'm really excited to talk to you a little bit more about exactly what this grant does and why it's such a big opportunity for rural Mason County. But before we dive into that, I want to give listeners the chance to learn more about you, Tess. So, what is it about food systems and rural economic development that speaks to you? And how did you find your way into this work?
SPEAKER_00Well, I was in FFA in high school. So agriculture and food systems have been a part of my world since I raised my first pig. And over the years, that interest just never left. I volunteered on farms and with food forest projects, getting my hands dirty and kind of seeing firsthand what it takes to grow real food and build something that's lasting. Research has always been my biggest passion. So rural communities are often overlooked, and there's simply less data available than there is for urban areas. So Market Ready Mason lets me combine my love of agriculture with interest in research and rural economic development.
SPEAKER_01I love that. Can you share with us what the name of your pig was? Pebble. Pebble? How cute was it a boy or a girl? It was a girl. Yeah. Did Pebble win things?
SPEAKER_00No. I mean, she she deserved her purpose. You know, we took them to the fair to to auction off.
SPEAKER_01So how fun. How fun. Well, hopefully Pebbles living a great life or maybe in someone's stomach. Yeah, hopefully. Um so awesome. Well, thank you so much for being here today. Let's go over exactly what this grant is. So, Tess, can you explain to me why did Mason EDC decide to pursue this grant opportunity?
SPEAKER_00Yeah, this program was a natural fit because it addressed several of the needs identified in that 2025 target industry sector study that was done. Um, this grant just gives everybody a chance to work together in a more intentional way. We'll be able to gather better data, strengthen relationships, and use what we learn to make informed decisions about what's next for the local area.
SPEAKER_01Smart, smart. Okay, so you're kind of, you know, already had a focus group speaking with some local agricultural partners in the area, and this basically came out of that work. So you're just growing and expanding upon what the community has already told you. That's amazing. But market ready mason. What does market ready mason mean?
SPEAKER_00Yeah, when people think market, they naturally think of farmers markets, and that's absolutely part of what we're supporting. But we're really talking about every way a producer can bring their products to market. So that includes farmers markets, CSAs, farm stands, agritourism, and selling to schools, restaurants, hospitals, or wholesalers. Um, the exciting part is that we're not starting from scratch. Organizations like Mason Conservation District, WCU Extension, and Mason Matters have already built a strong foundation. So we're just going to build on that.
SPEAKER_01Yes, amazing partners. One really interesting thing that we did for this episode to kind of cue it up was we asked the community what they wanted to know about this grant program, right? You know, get some engagement with the community. So there was one interesting question that we got from our friend Dan Cooling over at Pac Mountain Workforce Development Council. Really great workforce development partners to Mason EDC. But Dan says, what barriers are producers facing most often when trying to expand into new markets like new farmers markets or institutionalized buyers but what kinds of support would make the biggest difference in your opinion, Tess?
SPEAKER_00Yeah, so as far as barriers, inputs and expenses for farms of all sizes are rising. So diversified sales channels become even more important. Many farmers are also balancing farming with another job. So time and labor are constant challenges. And depending on the sales channel, there could be additional barriers in the way, such as required certifications or production requirements that can take time and resources to meet. Business development guidance makes a huge difference here. And luckily, we have Carn Leaf in our office with more than a decade of experience in helping Mason County businesses expand.
SPEAKER_01Right on. So just in plain language, what will the grant actually do? What kinds of support can producers expect when they interact with Mason EDC or this grant program?
SPEAKER_00Yes, um, support and success will do look different for every producer. One farm, it might mean launching a value-added product. Um, for another, it can mean getting into their first farmer's market and welcoming visitors for agritourism. So our job is just to help each business reach the goals that make sense for them, and it will be kind of directed by what they're looking for. One of the questions I'm asking with every producer is where do you see your business in the next three to five years? And we just let that guide us.
SPEAKER_01Thinking beyond the farmer's market, what does a local food system actually mean? What is a food system?
SPEAKER_00That's a great question. Um, local food system generally means a shorter supply chain and a closer relationship to where your food comes from. So when I shop at the farmer's market in Shelton or Belfair, I'm usually buying direct from the farmer and I probably know their name. If I order from a local poultry CSA, I'm buying directly from that producer instead of through a longer supply chain. And the food is often fresher because it hasn't traveled nearly as far.
SPEAKER_01Oh, okay. So I guess my next question kind of cues that up, but why is it important for producers, buyers, market managers, and community partners to work together? I think you kind of just addressed that, but how does strengthening relationships ultimately benefit the Mason County producers?
SPEAKER_00It's important definitely that these stakeholders work together to share information and promote a competitive, active market in our community because that's how we'll all thrive. A farmer recently told me they'd like to see more farms at the market because everyone does better when there's more to attract shoppers.
SPEAKER_01All right. Well, like we said earlier, we did ask the community if they had questions for us, and we we got a few. So let's let's take it to uh the Reddit questions that we had. Thank you to the Shelton Subreddit for participating. But um, this first question is I'm not a farmer or vendor, but I do enjoy supporting locally sourced food. So to that end, how will everyday residents of Mason County see the outcome of this project?
SPEAKER_00I'm glad they asked this. Um I think residents will notice more opportunities to connect with local agriculture. They'll see more promotion of local farms, farmers' markets, and food businesses. Over time, we hope people will have more places to buy local food and more opportunities to support businesses right here in Mason County.
SPEAKER_01More community. I love that. Uh, the second question that comes from Reddit is what can we expect to change in the local markets or what will we potentially have access to as a result of this grant?
SPEAKER_00Yeah, I mean, local producers will certainly have access to more resources to grow their businesses, especially those just getting started. Uh, depending on the findings of the feasibility study that we're going to complete in partnership with Thurston EDC, we'll let the producer and market feedback guide our next steps there.
SPEAKER_01Right on. Definitely listen into that community feedback to drive this program forward. I love that. Um, the third question that comes from Reddit is my wife and I have limited gardening experience, but we roughly own 1.5 acres of undeveloped land and have thought about various ways to generate additional income from some sort of farming on that. But ultimately, we don't know where to start. Would the program offer any information or assistance to people in these types of situations? And you kind of address that, but yeah, absolutely.
SPEAKER_00I mean, you definitely don't have to already be an experienced farmer. Um, part of our role is just helping people figure out whether an idea is practical, what resources are available, and what steps make sense before investing a lot of time and money.
SPEAKER_01Thank you for your responses and thank you to the listeners who uh participated in leaving their questions. We really appreciate that. Look out for more opportunities in the future. We may do more Q ⁇ A's like that. It's pretty fun. So moving along, just looking ahead, Tess, how can producers or organizations interested in participating in the grant learn more or get involved?
SPEAKER_00Yeah, they can reach me by phone or email, which is located on the Mason EDC website, or I can share my email here, which is Tess T E S S at choose Mason.com.
SPEAKER_01Absolutely. And we'll definitely get that in the show notes for uh listeners so that you can reach out to Tess. Is there anything that listeners can do to support local agriculture? Anything to plug for now?
SPEAKER_00Oh, totally. This is one of the easiest ways to support local agriculture. That's just to buy local whenever you can. Every purchase at a farmers market or directly from a local producer keeps those businesses thriving here in Mason County. And if you're looking for a great opportunity, we're celebrating National Farmers Market Week. Tomorrow, August 8th, the Shelton Farmers Market is hosting community partners and special programming from 10 to 3. And Harsine Island and Belfare are also holding their markets that day. And then on Sunday, Bel Fair Public Market follows on Sunday, August 9th from noon to 5.
SPEAKER_01So many opportunities to support local agriculture and producers. Thank you so much again, Tess. Just as a reminder, tomorrow, August 8th, there will be special programming at the Shelton Farmers Market to celebrate National Farmers Market Week. That will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. downtown Shelton on Coda Street. Definitely be sure to check that out. And if you're not in Shelton, be sure to check out some of the other local markets that are around Masine County. We have a ton to choose from. Once again, just thank you so much for listening to The Economic Current. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. And be sure to like and follow us on social media. We're pretty active on the social channels. So we're on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok. And of course, you may visit us on our website at masonedc.org. And with that, happy National Farmers Market Week. And we'll see you next time. Take care.