Sunflower Market: Where The Future is Organic
In 1978, Bob Whitcomb was inspired to create a business centered around healthy living. After opening the first location of Sunflower Market in Woodstock, Whitcomb hoped that the legacy of organic foods would continue past the prime of the “hippie” era.
Now as we fast forward to the present, the concept of an organic lifestyle has become significantly more popular as organic based farms and markets have now become staple businesses all around the country. In fact, Whitcomb and his family now own two businesses in both Woodstock and Rhinebeck.
“Each produce item we carry is either locally, ethically and sustainably sourced or certified organic”, Rhinebeck manager Erica Petramale states, “Other departments, like meat is also purchased based on fed and finished practices — not just certifications”.
As a business, Sunflower Market takes pride in knowing how their food is produced and where it comes from as well as educating the public on the importance of organic living.
Despite the pride in supporting organic farms and businesses, running a small business has been considered to be quite costly in terms of supply and perishable ingredients that can be difficult to keep on the shelf.
However, operating the business has still been considered rewarding due to the support of their community as well as for the continuing adoration of organic products.
In terms of the agricultural process, Petramale states, “Organic farming tends to use less energy and to have more fertile soil than conventional farming. It produces less carbon emissions while conserving water and reducing soil erosions”.
In addition, the process of organic agricultural practices refrains from utilizing harmful pesticides and chemicals and are replaced with the necessary nutrients needed to provide healthy benefits.
Although Sunflower Market gains their products from suppliers, the business has still contributed their knowledge about organic foods at various local farmer’s markets, including the one held in Rhinebeck every Sunday.
Founded in 1994, The Rhinebeck Farmer’s Market has been of the highlights of the spring season so far as the community can peruse through the natural, organic products that various businesses have provided in time for the warm weather.
With a positive outlook for the future of organic living, Petramale has high hopes as she claims, “I think communities will embrace local harvesting that is ethically foraged and sustainable. I hope that with continued education about the importance of organic, it will become more readily available and more affordable”.
As we ease into summer, Sunflower Market hopes to continue providing their quality products to the community and making a difference within the lives of others.
