Together, they have learned how to maximize their acreage and grow more food by deepening their understanding of the soil and perfecting their growing skills. Labor is split down the middle with Chris taking care of the animals, the books and managing fruit production and Amy overseeing vegetable production, seed inventory and greenhouse management. They co-manage the apprentices, and this year will oversee four full-time employees. Now in their 5th season at the market, Chris says the biggest change he’s observed is the increase in volume of customers and the volume of food they purchase. On a personal level, both Roehm and Benson consider the market their social life. “It’s one of the few times we get off the farm and talk to people other than each other or our employees,” says Roehm. “I feel strongly that the market is one of the best community building activities that goes on in Portland.” He takes comfort in being part of a genuine human activity that people have been partaking in for millennia – gathering in a public marketplace to buy, sell, share, converse and eat together. Stop by the Square Peg booth (their first market day will be 4/28/07) and indulge in some community-making of your own. Pick up a few groceries while you are at it.