Meet Roger Thomas | Farmer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Roger Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Roger, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
As I chose to become an egg farmer I consciously decided to stay a small family farm (under 3000 birds) due to the outlandish requirements of larger farms i.e. vaccinations. I don’t think most consumers realize the amount of government regulations that actually harm them. There are 74 pages of chemicals, vaccines, and additives allowed in or on “organic” foods! It has always been important to me to provide a healthful, wholesome product. And to educate myself and my customers on what is being used on our animals as well as what those animals are eating and drinking. The same goes with crops and grown foods – the water and the land. This is vital to our own good health.

Integrity and addressing inequity of access to healthy food has always been important for me. After years of coordinating events, I found putting together a community farmers market is the most satisfying work.
Anyone can grow, sell or throw an event together that makes money but providing quality, honest, healthful foods and activities is somewhat harder. I constantly strive for that with my farm and my farmers markets.

I want to give consumers the opportunity to know what is in their food and where it comes from and not simply what the lobbyist or big Ag tell us.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am a connector. I value the connections we have in our communities and strive to bring the right people together for the right reasons at the right time. That is my goal each week at the 29 Palms Certified Farmers Market. I take the time to see what is actually in the produce our farmers bring, I visit their farms, understand their soil and their processes. I know what is grown, where and how and only allow real farmers into the market. Sometimes it makes for a smaller market or a product that is not in season, but it the right thing to do.

I am naturally curious and a fact finder! I ask questions, and listen. I go to the farms, I attend other events, I make friends and stay connected. It is not always easy, but it is worth it when I see the community enjoying a market or event. Pure unbridled determination will take you far.

I strive to make the market a gathering place for community. Focusing on local businesses, artisans and crafters are included. Non-profits and community organizations are always welcome and bring fun, education and a sense of family to the event. I love what I do and I hope it shows.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Welcome to the desert! I would take them to Daniel’s Table in Cathedral City, an all natural farm to table restaurant. Chef Daniel buys directly from farmers and has done his research as to what he is serving customers. I am going to show them the hidden beauty of the desert. Joshua Tree National Park is in my backyard so a tour and some bouldering is in order. The native plants are surprisingly healthful so I would try and schedule a native plant cooking demo. And of course they will have to come to the 29 Palms Certified Farmers Market on Saturday, a place where the community comes together for good food, fun, live music, crafts and information. No trip would be complete without that stop.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I tend to gravitate toward people who encourage and inspire and there is no one better at that than my wife, Sandy. She is the Executive Director of Copper Mountain College Foundation and works hard to provide opportunities for the students of the Morongo Basin to be successful at college. Her passion for the community and our people is a nice match to mine and what keeps me moving forward each and every day.

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