This December, the Berkeley Farmers’ Markets are expanding our aisles. In honor of the holiday gifting season, we’re partnering with Fibershed, a nonprofit committed to supporting sustainable textile production across California and beyond. For one week only – on December 13th, 16th, 18th, and 20th – our markets will feature locally produced items made by a variety of Fibershed-affiliated vendors. These items will include clothing, body care products, yarn, and more.
These pop up events are not only a chance to select beautiful, storied holiday gifts; it’s a great way to support sustainable agriculture beyond local food. Similarly to how farmers’ markets support an alternative food system comprised of farmers, ranchers, and food purveyors, Fibershed supports an alternative textile system comprised of farmers, ranchers, weavers, designers, and more.
Fibershed and the Berkeley Farmers’ Markets both work directly with farmers and artisans to develop vertically-integrated supply chains that support sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture. These systems are at odds with both industrial agriculture and the textile industry, each of which are associated with negative environmental impacts. The apparel and footwear industries are responsible for 8-10% of global emissions annually, superseding emissions from the aviation and shipping industries combined. Diversifying our scope beyond food and towards all land-based industries forges a path forward to a future that supports sustainability and climate resiliency.
Farmers’ markets are a space where we have the opportunity to live into the future we want to create. Investing your time and money into these spaces builds up climate resilience, supports small businesses, and reinforces the myriad of small social connections that make up our community. Join us in supporting the farmers and artisans who have committed to sustainable production practices. Get to know the stories of each commodity offered in this alternative system, and the people who produced them.
