Organic Market Thrives in Coronado, Panama

The Go Organics Market hit the beach area just over a year ago and is working it's way to becoming a full blown stop for organic and natural produce in the beach area. The market features organic plants and vegetables, Boquete coffee, hand made Ngobe Indian 100% chocolate, oils,  dried fruits and more. Last month I found home-made dog treats, home-made goat cheese and honey straight from the bee keepers. Go Organic is an initiative of Corrin Skubin, a  peace corp volunteer, who came to Panama to help villages become sustainable through structural and agricultural initiatives.  The market came about from  Skubin's desire to support organic farmers and the community's demand for fresh, organic produce.  With the help of a few good friends who share the same goals, the Go Organic Market came into existence and has become an anticipated event in the Playa communities.

According to Corrin, "One of the most significant health benefits associated with eating organic food rests in the fact that these products are free from any potentially harmful chemicals. Organically grown food items are pure and completely wholesome", she says. "Traditionally grown food items, contain the trace chemicals such as insecticides, herbicides and fertilizers. Over time, these can accumulate in a person's body and cause problems".

The produce sold at the market is guaranteed to come from certified organic farmers that are located in the El Valle and San Carlos regions of Panama. The vegetables sold are picked in the morning and are reasonably priced at the market. You can walk out  with a bag full of veggies  for less than $5.

While the market made it's start with fresh produce, over time, Go Organics has expanded to include local vendors that believe in the Go Organics vision of "Healthy - Natural - Lifestyles".   ADEMUS a United Women's Association located in Bejuco is one of the vendors who participate monthly. They make  dried fruits and jams.  Another popular vendor is Finca Negro de Oro  who offer  honey and goat cheese. They also sell free range chickens and organic fertilizer.  The market also includes vendors offering services like Reiki, Meditation and Massages, as well as  Artisans who use natural materials.

The Go Organic market is held once a month at Picasso Bar & Restaurante inside the gates of Coronado on a Saturday Morning from 9am-12pm.  Check the EVENTS CALENDAR at PLAYACOMMUNITY.COM for upcoming dates.

Picasso Restaurant offers fresh juices and coffee for customers while they shop, creating a typical Spanish Mercado atmosphere.  Corrin Skubin, Teresa Martinez and Karyn Saunders are the coordinators of the  monthly GoOrganic market.   Their mission is to bring awareness to the community by promoting the Go Organics vision of Healthy - Natural - Lifestyles.

The Go Organic Market comes together once a month. Dates and locations are posted in the events calendar at Playacommunity.Com. The next market will be held on July 9th at 9am at Picasso Bar & Restaurante.  The venue is located 1km inside the gates of Coronado.  The food is fresh, the shopping is great and the people are a lot of fun. Drop by!