Joel Malkin's Report - International Public Market Conference Report on Four Panels at the International Public Market Conference by Joel Malkin. Mr. Malkin is an attorney in Chicago, a big fan of public markets, a past member of the board of the Maxwell Street Market Coalition, a market developer, and a member of Public Market Collaborative. Kent noted that Burns promoted farmer's markets earlier than many other public officials. Burns in turn introduced Lon Hatamiya.
Public markets allow farmers to sell directly to consumers.
The USDA is currently directing standards for labeling of organic products, and is seeking to promote public markets. The USDA has funded public market origination studies in cities throughout the country. Although USDA' s funding for such efforts is relatively small, its return on investment is tremendous. Kent spoke next. He related a statement by James Rouse, the renowned festival market developer, that festival markets attract tourists while public markets cater to the real needs of real people.