The city of Bloomington farmers' market coordinator is leaving her position July 23.
In a note to vendors posted by the Facebook group No Space for Hate Bloomington, Marcia Veldman says it was a difficult decision because of the great respect she has for the vendors.
"Not only to provide healthy food to our community, but to do it with great care for the customer. It has been an honor to work with you. Whether you’re just getting started this year or our relationship extends over 20 years, you feel like extended family to me," she said.
Last year, controversy erupted after news surfaced that vendor Sarah Dye from Schooner Creek Farm had ties to a white supremacist group.
Schooner Creek Farm co-owner Sarah Dye has admitted to being an Identitarian, an ideology which researchers say is largely xenophobic and anti-diversity.
After posting a controversial statement on Facebook about Black-On-Black crime, the Broadening Inclusion Subcommittee of the Bloomington Farmers’ Market was disbanded in June.
The Broadening Inclusion Subcommittee was formed last November to help deal with racial incidents that have occurred in the past at the Bloomington Farmers’ Market.
READ MORE: Bloomington Farmers' Market Controversy: What's Happened So Far
Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton said he hasn't talked to Veldman, but is sorry to see her retire.
"No doubt the stress of the market over the last two seasons has been very difficult for those involved in it, from Marcia to her colleagues and the parks department as well as the parks board and others," Hamilton said.
Veldman says Sarah Mullin will take over. "Mullin has been a farmer, sold at farmers’ markets and organized farmers’ markets. She understands the needs of vendors and will represent your perspective well," she said.
A third Bloomington summer farmers' market opened this past weekend with more than 25 vendors outside The Woolery Mill.
