Council Approves Changes to Increase Opportunities for Market Farmers.

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 23, 1998--The Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority (PDA) today adopted a resolution that would provide greater opportunity for farmers who sell fresh edible produce in the Market. The resolution was taken as part of the renewal process of the PDA's agreement with the City of Seattle known as the Hildt Agreement.

After a community process that included the recommendations of three advisory teams -- composed of farmers, craftspeople, merchants and shoppers -- and a series of public meetings; the council voted 7-to-4 in favor of the resolution. Following Roberts Rule of Order, Council Chair John Finke did not vote on the resolution but voiced his support. The resolution as finally adopted was significantly changed and narrowed during the public process.

"I truly believe when this is understood and implemented, the community will see that this enhances the opportunities for food farmers in the Market, without diminishing sales opportunities for others in the daystall community," said Finke.

The changes in the Hildt Agreement, while minor, will be important to the Market community. Currently, fresh produce farmers can have only between four and eight feet of space. The resolution would allow them 12 feet, but only after all other farmers (such as flower farmers) get eight foot tables. Currently, the PDA cannot offer discounted table rentals to entice fresh produce farmers. The resolution would allow such discounts. Taking into account the crafts community, the resolution would allow limitation of farmer tables during the winter holiday season, when craftspeople need table space.

"I look towards the PDA Charter which governs this body in making my decision," said Councilmember and Farmer Gretchen Hoyt. "The Charter founded this to be a farmer's market and I feel it is our responsibility to fulfill that mission."

The PDA council must inform the City of Seattle of its recommended changes by July 1, 1998. By this vote the PDA Council determined that changes in the agreement were called for to ensure that the Pike Place Market could continue to serve as an effective venue for the sale of fresh produce by farmers. This proposal is intended to preserve the tradition of the Pike Place Market as the premier farmers market in the state.

Andrew Hanson-Krueger, a PDA Councilmember elected by the Market PDA constituency, explained the deliberative process that he undertook in reaching a decision after hearing from many sectors of the Market. His final decision was derived from a tribute to Market steward Victor Steinbrueck by his wife Marjorie Nelson Steinbrueck in The Market Sketchbook. "In 1996, despite much paved over farmland and Market stalls overflowing with crafts and t-shirts, the small farmers' produce stands still shine and the Market thrives as a wonderful panoply of life, color, sound, smells, and entertainment. Yet, it is in danger of losing its character, of becoming a commercialized and cheaper version of a farmer's market. Victor Steinbrueck would say that it is to everyone's advantage that it remain a true farmer's market."

Craftsperson and Councilmember Christine Vaughan, who voted against the resolution, expressed her desire to join Councilmembers in healing the community after this process. "I will support whatever decision the Council makes even though it may not be my personal first choice of solutions, because ultimately it is this 12-member Council that has the responsibility, with public oversight, for the financial health of the Market and its faithfulness to its Charter obligations."

    CONTACT: Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority
              Shelly Yapp 682-7453 or John Finke 448-5244