By Beth Bergeron
Union County Farmers Market is excited about our upcoming tenth market season. While the market may look a little different at opening on Saturday, May 9, the vision is still clear: Providing the opportunity for you to shop for fresh, locally grown, healthy farm products while supporting your community has always been part of that vision—but it is much more than that.
According to Donna Riddle, board member and Seven Springs Farm owner, “The Union County Farmers Market should be a place where the community comes together, a family-friendly market with healthy living activities for both children and adults. It serves as a place where farmers meet and exchange ideas, and where our youths can learn more about agriculture and its importance to our community.”
Several market vendors are youths; students who are learning important life skills in business, marketing and agriculture, as well as earning an income and keeping their family farms viable.
We are looking forward to welcoming back our friendly producers, some of which have been with us since we opened in 2011, like Seven Springs Farm and Little Valley Nursery. Sweet Treats by Emily and Smoky Mountain Embroidery are two of the newest vendors and small Union County businesses. We are certain you will enjoy having them as part of the market.
The Union County Farmers Market has been working hard to implement procedures to ensure your safety.
“Simply put, farmers markets are essential. Now, more than ever, the hard work of our local farmers and producers to create healthy and nutritious farm products is critical to our health and our economy,” says Marjorie Ford of Tillman Rabbit Farm and UCFM board president.
Shop fresh and local in a safe environment. The produce you purchase is picked less than 24 hours before market and will last longer in your refrigerator than produce that has traveled through the supply chain to get to the grocery store shelves.
When you buy direct from the grower or producer, you know exactly who has handled that product before purchasing it, which should minimize the transmission of viruses. The outdoor, open-air environment of farmers markets is also an asset in these unprecedented times.
“Despite the crisis, Tennessee’s farmers continue to produce safe, fresh, local foods. Farmers markets are an ideal source for fresh vegetables, meats and food products, and are vital to our local communities and economies,” says Commissioner of Agriculture Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M.
As mentioned earlier, the market may look a little different when it opens. Tents will be farther apart, social distancing will be practiced, there may be more pre-packaged items and there will be no handling of the products. We ask that everyone abide by our new policies to decrease risk and sustain a healthy shopping environment.
We are excited about opening on May 9 and we’re looking forward to seeing both new and familiar faces. The market will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wilson Park.
Follow us on Facebook for more information and vendor and product listings at Union County Farmers Market.