September 11, 2018
Lawrence County Farmer’s Market sells only locally grown products…
The Farmer’s Market did very well this year. It’s always a success when local farmers can provide the community with locally grown fruits and vegetables. At the farmer’s market consumers can interact with the producer and talk to them about their gardens and produce, you don’t get that at the grocery store. That’s what the farmer’s market is all about and that is the goal at the LC Extension Office. When they can educate folks on buying local, supporting our farmers, and feeding families nutritious meals, they call that a success.
The farmers that set up at the Market to sell, are growing their produce right here in Lawrence County. The Farmer’s Market only allows sellers who live in a surrounding county in KY. As of right now, there are only sellers from Lawrence County. All produce sold at the Lawrence County Farmer’s Market is 100% locally grown right here in our county.
For the most part, depending on what produce it is, all produce should be stored in the crisper drawer in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life. However, produce like tomatoes and cucumbers can be stored on the countertop. Remember that produce should never be stored in a bag. For more information on the safe handling of produce, contact Family Consumer Science Agent, Alivia Faris (606) 673-9495.
The market opens in July which is typically right when corn, beans, and tomatoes are coming on. So for the most part, you can find your typical garden vegetables all of July and August. The market starts slowing down at the beginning of September, depending on the weather. For those wanting corn, beans, and tomatoes, don’t wait until September to come to the market!
At the market, all sellers accept cash; all but a few vendors accept WIC and Senior Vouchers. (If you use WIC or Senior Vouchers, look for the vendors that have signs displayed stating they accept vouchers).
The Kid’s Veggie Bucks are always a huge hit. This allows any child age 2-16 to spend $5.00 at the market. The Lawrence County Health Department and the Lawrence County Extension Office are partners in this program.
The number of sellers that participate in the market has declined in the last 10 years. Most folks in the area only grow a garden large enough for their family and any excess produce from the garden get preserved by canning or freezing. They are always looking for new vendors to set up at the market so anyone interested in selling is encouraged to call the Extension Office.
A quick reminder to those individuals who receive senior vouchers….the agency can get penalized for vouchers that do not get used. Next year the office could see a decrease in the amount of senior vouchers they receive if the redemption rate is low. So please use those vouchers! Do not wait until the end of the season to use them. Not using vouchers will only hurt participants next year because they won’t get as many to hand out. This has been an issue for several years and they want to make sure as many participants as possible have the opportunity to use the vouchers.
If you haven’t had a chance to check out the local Farmer’s Market, you still have time. The market will remain open on Saturdays. The market is located at: 249 Industrial Park Road Louisa, KY 41230. Check them out; you’ll be glad you did! Here’s what our local LC ANR Extension Agent Laura Maggard had to say:
“…Thank you to everyone who came out to the market this year and bought produce. Supporting our farmers and buying local is a huge deal and any time we have the opportunity to help our neighbors and feed our family healthy meals, we should. The market will be closed Tuesdays and Thursday’s for the rest of the season. But, stop by on Saturday’s and look for some fall produce!”
Please contact Laura Maggard if you are interested in selling at the Farmer’s Market! (606) 673- 9495.
