Today we’d like to introduce you to Salila Travers.
Hi Salila, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Many years ago, I realized how important small farmers, especially organic farmers, are to a healthy world. In 1971, I started studying nutrition and from there gained an appreciation of organically grown food. I read “An Agricultural Testament” by Sir Albert Howard, a pioneer of the organic movement, and gleaned an understanding of the importance of good soil and organic practices. I had a realization that the world vitally needs small farms. So when the manager of Austin’s original farmers market moved to Hawaii, I took over her job.
My goal now is to put land in trust to be used for farming and to find competent, able people to farm it. Without the cost of the land, it is doable. The cost of land is prohibitively expensive, but once purchased, an agricultural exemption, reducing taxes, makes farming possible.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When I started, we were the only market in town. Now they are all over town, so increasing attendance is always important. When farmers retire, there is often no one to take their place. So the main challenge is to create more farms and farmers!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I own and run Barton Creek Farmers Market and Aztec Organic Pest Service. I like to create a lively market full of happy vendors and workers!
For the market, I intend to keep creating, strengthening and growing it. I want to help create more small farms to feed our area. I think my consideration that business is something other than a way to maximize profit may be what sets me apart. I am proud of my workers and my vendors, especially my farmers and ranchers. All of our vendors are hard workers who have created a great product. I am choosy when it comes to vendors and welcome the ones who produce sustainable, healthy products.
Any big plans?
I plan to create organic farms for the local markets, restaurants and grocery stores that feed the local population. I will purchase land for farming and put it in a trust and find responsible people to farm. They will be able to live on the income from the farm, but the upfront expenses will be handled. The price of land, etc. is prohibitively high for a small farmer who may be quite competent and motivated or just wants to learn!
Contact Info:
- Email: bartoncreekfarmersmarket@gmail.com
- Website: bartoncreekfarmersmarket.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bartoncreekfarmersmarket/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bartoncreekfarmersmarket/
