Farmers Markets, Great Food, Great Atmosphere

The public can get their fill of healthy food, a great atmosphere and enjoy some time out of the house at a farmers market, but for some that time is much more serious.

Wenatchee Farmers Market Manager Sue Gasbar says for many vendors, this is not just a hobby.

“We have a lot of small businesses. Small farmers, small artisans, processors and they rely heavily on the money that they make at the market.”

Many farmers are not able to get connected to larger packing houses or processors because they are too small.

Mark Rowley of Fresh Picks Washington says it can even go beyond just the basic income need.

“It is also rewarding to be able to know who you are serving, to be able to see the people that your food is going to. As a farmer that’s what we love. We love producing food for people and providing the things that we all need to sustain life, but then we can say ‘Hi Jane. Here’s the cherries you want this week.’”

Rowley also noted that for some growers, using the market can provide guaranteed payment for crops, something not always available.