Joe Swick, senior market manager for the Pompano State Farmers Market in Pompano Beach, FL, told The Produce News that the market is in the process of moving into a new era with a fresh mentality.

"We are dealing with major issues today in ways that will better serve the community and the environment," said Mr. Swick. "As our tenants have also evolved over the years to be more community minded and environmentally aware, we are working together to make the market an ideal place to work and to serve."

The market, he said, has taken on some new tenants, even during the recession. Kingston & Associates, a produce broker, is new on the market, as is Manwell Produce, also a broker, headquartered in Georgia.

He agreed that new tenants are a sign that the economy is turning around.

The Pompano State Farmers Market is a self-funded bureau that operates solely on the revenues of its tenants.

"We are one of very few agencies that can claim that we're not using taxpayer money," said Mr. Swick. "We have approximately 30 tenants, the majority of which are produce growers-distributors, importers, produce brokers and truck brokers."

He noted that all of the tenants are involved in one way or another with the "Fresh from Florida" locally grown food initiative.

The Pompano State Farmers Market, originally built in 1939, was initially accessible for only locally grown produce. Today the major tenants include Pexco Produce Sales, Edward L. Myrick Produce, Delk Produce Inc., Johnson Produce Co. Inc. and Service Consolidation Inc., which also represent the longest-term tenants.

The focus on a terminal market that is going on 75 years old must be on cleanup, maintenance and bringing facilities back to good operating condition. A total renovation of the truck brokers' building - which had not been done since 1966 - now looks like a completely different structure.

"Sometimes we're forced to spend money on things that you can't see or touch, like a new $100,000 chiller [air-conditioning system] recently installed on the roof," said Mr. Swick. "But it is a necessity. The same applies to bringing the facility up to a normal maintenance level that is sustainable and environmentally friendly.

"Bringing all of the buildings into the new age is our focus and our ultimate goal. These improvements don't change anyone's business, but they are imperative to doing business today."

The market and its tenants are responsible for the direct employment of approximately 114 people, but it indirectly supports about 1,987 jobs throughout Florida's growing season, which runs from November through first week in June.

The market and its tenants also strive to give back to the community. One of its tenants is Farm Share, a food bank supplier.

"They are the U.S. Department of Agriculture food bank distributor for Broward County," said Mr. Swick. "And we are currently partnering with Broward Regional Health Planning Commission, commonly referred to as BRHPC. It has a grant from the CDC [Centers for Disease Control], and part of that grant is being used to look at food deserts in Broward County and how they can be serviced with fresh fruits and vegetables. We are in the very early stages of this program, but we are partnering to investigate local distribution systems."

He explained that BRHPC looks at five or six aspects that interconnect, such as poverty, race, diabetes, access to healthy food and access to junk food.

The market is also currently working with local community farms to use fresh produce waste that is generated at the market for compost. This symbiotic relationship saves tenants a tremendous amount of money in waste removal, and it provides community gardens with compost they would otherwise have to purchase.

Market tenants and management alike are involved in maintaining a high level of security on the grounds. Ag Law, an agricultural enforcement agency, has offices on the market. Personnel there collaborate with the Broward Sheriff Office to insure that law enforcement people are on the market grounds at all times.

"We are trying to become involved in anything possible to help facilitate positive impacts on our community," said Mr. Swick.

The Pompano State Farmers Market comprises over 18 acres of wholesale space. Average truck traffic during the high season, November through April or May, is 160-190 trucks daily or more.

Mr. Swick noted that Pompano Beach originally "grew up" around the Pompano market, although today it is considered a separate space of its own disconnected to the surrounding population

"We have made great strides in recent years to bring the market up to date," said Mr. Swick. "Most exciting is that we are looking at a major demolition project in the coming months in an office project. This building is, unfortunately, at the end of its life. There is nothing salvageable. We're sad to see it go, but we're excited to see the new coming in. The project is out for bids at this moment."