Being on the front lines every week, we know farmers markets are also critical economic engines in our own backyards. Statewide research from the WSU Extension Small Farms Program and Washington State Farmers Market Association is working to improve farmers market indicators and data.
Following national trends, we know farmers markets have not only been growing in Clark County, but throughout the state. Washington currently has 160 unique farmers’ market locations in 36 out of 39 counties. These markets serve to connect more than 1,200 farm vendors with hundreds of thousands of shoppers. WSU researchers conservatively estimate that market sales annually are over $50 million in the state.
The economic benefits for small and new businesses vending at a farmers markets are significant. They are one of the most accessible and affordable retail outlets for small and mid-sized farms, including those operated by women and immigrant farmers. Farm businesses can raise their visibility, strengthen their branding and promote complementary marketing channels such as sales to chefs and restaurants, community supported agriculture (CSA’s), farm stands and Internet orders. Together, these build the small business’s economic viability.
Here in Clark County, Inspiration Plantation is now a successful farm store in Ridgefield with regular store hours, a diverse product line and delightful farm tours. NW Organic Farm, also in Ridgefield, hosts the wildly popular Garlic Festival in September. Sales of their famous organically-grown heirloom tomatoes are found at Chuck’s Produce as well as Zupan’s in Portland. Planting a few apple trees just three years ago, newcomer CGI Orchard in Hazel Dell grows heirloom apples organically. When the apple season hits, CGI finds the demand for these delicious and unusual apples enormous. Another farmer who is finding that demand is outstripping supply is the Honey Bee Girl of La Center, whose visible passion for keeping honey “real” makes her honey increasingly popular. The Honey Bee Girl finds that consumers are learning about the benefits of pure local honey from organic crops and all natural beekeeping practices.
These farm businesses, like other farmers market entrepreneurs, are well on their way to growth, creating jobs along the way and adding to our economic recovery. Many of these farmers found their customer base at farmers markets in Clark County, and several of them continue to vend at one or more markets in our region. They share an appreciation for connecting on a regular basis with their customers, welcoming feedback and new product ideas, and discovering other possible marketing opportunities.
Farmers’ markets in Clark County are alive and well, bringing us a diverse selection of locally grown fresh food as well as locally produced artisan-crafted food items throughout the season. Visit your neighborhood farmers market soon. You’ll find it well worth the visit.
Ann Foster, a retired HP marketing and sales professional, is the organizer of the Salmon Creek Farmers Markets, which now has two locations in Salmon Creek. She also serves on the board of the Washington State Farmers Market Association, the Clark County Food System Council and on the board of the North Salmon Creek Neighborhood Association.
{jathumbnail off}
