Downtown Farmers' Market-Linking the Farm to the Community

Downtown Farmers' Market-Linking the Farm to the Community

Summary

Extension collaborating with Rolling Hills Resource Conservation & Development Council, Carroll County Farm Bureau and the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Committee, organized the Carrroll County Farmland and Rural Preservation Partnership. The Carrollton city government and Carrollton Main Street initiated and established the Cotton Mill Farmers Market to allow local farmers direct market access to consumers. The local county extension agent and Rolling Hills RC&D successfully acquired two SARE Grants totaling $23,000 to establish the market. Programs were conducted to educate farmers about participating in the market and helping them realize better prices for their crops.Topics included: how to extend your growing season, how to prepare products for market, where to purchase equipment for market set-up, how to attract customers to your booth and market, how to merchandize your products, what type products the consumers are looking for, and how to instill locally grown to the consumer.

Objectives/Performance Targets

Accomplishments/Milestones

Twenty eight farmers participated in the Cotton Mill Market during the 2002 growing season generating more than $150,000 in added value to their agricultural production. Agricultural product diversity enhanced profitability for the entire market. Crops direct marketed during the 2002 season included a wide assortment of fresh fruits/vegetables, cut flowers, grass finished beef, honey, jams/jellies, perennial/annual plants, fresh breads, artisan items, and fair trade shade grown coffees. In addition, local chefs participated twice monthly preparing dishes from products available on that particular day.

Collaborators: