Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians opens farmer market

The Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians opened a farmers market today.

The grand opening ceremony for the market, named Temalpakh Farm Market, was held at 1 Roberta Way. The market is a complement to the Temalpakh Farm -- meaning ``from the earth'' in Cahuilla -- located on the Coachella reservation.  

The roughly 50-acre organic farm began construction in 2014, with the market's construction having started in 2018. Customers can buy produce directly from the farm, and a classroom designed to teach about the tribe's culture and history in farming will soon be available to local educational outlets, according to officials.

The project began under former Tribal Chairwoman Mary Ann Martin and is being finished under current Tribal Chairwoman Amanda Vance, her daughter.   

"The Tribe is proud to offer organic products in our market that come directly from the farm and will be served at the dinner tables of the community," Vance said.

"To realize the vision of my mother in opening Temalpakh Farm Market makes it even more special.''