Representatives of the Craig County Farmers Market recently attended the Mid-Atlantic Farmers Market Conference in Richmond, Virginia. This conference was co-hosted by Virginia State University’s College of Agriculture and the Virginia Farmers Market Association. The conference brought together farmers, market managers, and agricultural professionals for the purpose of strengthening local food systems and making farmers markets safe and successful.
Chelsea Blankenship, owner of Craigs Creek Kune Kune, a local meat producer, and Tina Crawford, a member of Craig County Tourism Commission, participated in numerous workshops geared towards farmers markets and food producers. They experienced hands-on learning in the Food Safety Farmers Market Tent exhibit by identifying items eligible for sale at farmers market under Cottage Law. They also learned how food products should be safely stored and displayed.
Workshops also offered timely information as to how farmers markets can bring quality, fresh food to the food-insecure through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Virginia Fresh Match Program, and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP).
A workshop highlighting Patrick County’s farmers market offered inspiration on how they expanded their farmers market to a community gathering place. Examples included local businesses sharing their services and talents with activities such as tool sharpening and flower-arranging classes, and nonprofit organizations sharing their mission and services, with practical ideas including a children’s story time during the regular farmers market, and family movie nights when the market isn’t open.
The Craig County Farmers Market recently concluded its first regular season which was deemed a resounding success both by the local citizens who purchased goods and the vendors who set up shop each weekend. A special Thanksgiving Market will be held this coming Saturday, Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with goodies for your Thanksgiving table. Holiday Markets, featuring artisan crafters for last-minute gift ideas, and food producers for your holiday meals are also planned for Saturday, December 7 and Saturday, Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
During the “off-season,” the Craig County Farmers Market committee members will utilize the valuable information learned from the recent conference to bring more interest to the 2025 market. If you are a food producer, this is the time to plan your crops and review your inventories. Interested in becoming a vendor? Visit http://www.craigcountyfarmersmarket.com/ and complete the Vendor Interest Questionnaire. Spring will soon be here with customers ready to buy. Those who are interested serving on the Craig County Farmers Market committee can contact them via email at support@craigcountyfarmersmarket.com.
-Tina Crawford
