Ms Mr Mrs Miss Mx. Dr.

I am writing to express my opposition to a plan funded by the Dorothea Dix Park Conservancy Group that would fundamentally change the face of the Raleigh State Farmers Market in ways that are not reflective of the mission of our NC Agriculture Department. More importantly, these changes would be to the detriment of family-owned businesses, farmers and people in need across North Carolina. The NC Agriculture Department mission statement is: “To provide services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians.”

The Raleigh State Farmers Market, which was once again voted as a top destination by readers of the News and Observer in 2019, supports local farmers, local charities, and the community-at-large. The multi-generational family businesses who call the market home have worked for decades side-by-side with you to further your mission while meeting the needs of North Carolinians from the Triangle to the coast. They need your support now.

Developers say the “cost of the dirt” the market sits on is more important and valuable than the businesses that occupy it. I respectfully disagree. I believe that there is no better use of land than feeding our population. The market exists to help farmers recoup the “cost of their dirt” that they grow our crops on.

I want our city to be diverse by having a grand park AND a grand farmers market. Dorothea Dix Park is 308 acres, and the Raleigh State Farmers Market occupies an additional 75 acres. There’s room to meet the needs of the whole community without sacrificing MY Raleigh State Farmers Market.

Help us save our Farmers Market. Please learn more at www.SavingTheMarket.com

Respectfully,

**your signature**