Honoring Women in Agriculture on International Women’s Day
In honor of International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the important role women play in our local agriculture and food production. PFM is proud to say that more than half of our vendors are women-owned and operated, which includes farmers, bakers, chefs, chocolatiers, cheesemakers, and more!
Here are just a few of the hardworking women who grow and sell our food at the PSU Farmers Market.
Norma Cravens, Springwater Farm
Norma Cravens has owned and operated Springwater Farm with her husband Roger Konka for 28 years. She works alongside her daughter at the PSU Market on Saturdays year-round, selling a wide range of mushrooms and other foraged wild foods to a steady stream of customers.
Their farm is located in St. Helens and consists of 40 acres of diverse farmland with woods, many flowing springs, pasture and wetlands.
Springwater Farm sells as many as 14 varieties of mushrooms at market each week, but Norma’s favorite way to prepare them is simple (yet delicious) – roasting them in olive oil with a pinch of sea salt.
Saturdays and Wednesdays, Portland Farmers Market
Amy Benson, Square Peg Farm
Amy Benson and her husband Chris Roehm own Square Peg Farm, a certified organic farm in Forest Grove. They grow a variety of vegetables and fruit, along with pasture raised pigs.
Farming has been Amy’s livelihood for more than 15 years, and long ago it was a place for romance too – Amy met Chris when he was an intern on a farm she previously worked.
Square Peg Farm has a loyal following of customers who are dedicated to their unique and diverse crops. Amy says one of her favorite, yet underappreciated, crops is Red Russian Kale. It is often overlooked by lovers of lacinato kale, but she and Chris enjoy its flavor and winter hardiness.
Saturdays and Wednesdays, Portland Farmers Market
Megan, Prairie, & Rachel, Raymond Kuenzi Farms
Look closely at market and you just might see the next generation of women farmers! On many Saturdays at PSU, you’ll be greeted by the friendly faces of Raymond Kuenzi’s two grand daughters, Megan and Prairie, and daughter Rachel.
The girls join farmer Raymond at the PSU Market each week to help sell fresh produce and other farm-direct products, like walnuts, duck and chicken eggs, and flower arrangements.
Their favorite market activities include selling to customers, eating delicious food, and exploring what other market vendors have to offer.
Saturdays, Portland Farmers Market
