Franklin County Horticulture
Farmers’ Market in full swing
June 1, 2003
It’s
that time of year again; the Franklin County Farmers’ Market is in full swing
at the downtown Kentucky Riverview Park, just off Wilkinson Boulevard.
The
market this year will be from 8 a.m. until vendors are sold out. Just like last
year, sales will be held on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturdays.
Not only can you pick up fresh fruit, veggies,
flowers and herbs, but you can also pick up some fresh meat and eggs for those
wonderful weekend breakfasts. For updates on what’s available at the market,
drop by and visit, or check out the gardenbasket web site at http://www.ca.uky.edu/gardenbasket.
The
Franklin County Farmers’ Market has been around for many years and evolved
from Saturday Courthouse sales to a diverse, 3 day a week market at a permanent
location. Franklin County is fortunate to have a strong Farmers’ Market, and a
high visibility location in Kentucky Riverview Park.
What
can be sold at the market?
Fresh
flowers, unprocessed vegetables, and fruits can be sold at the market. Processed
or canned foods can only be sold if the products come from a certified kitchen.
Rules also apply to honey and cider products. Vendors must comply with all
applicable local, state, and federal regulations. Although these changes may be
cumbersome to the producer, they provide the customer with reassurance that the
products are held up to the same standards as processed food purchased off the
grocery shelf.
Want
to be a member?
First,
in order to sell produce in the Franklin County Farmer’s Market, members must
be growing their product in Franklin County or Anderson, Henry, Shelby, Owen,
Scott and Woodford Counties. In addition, the member can only sell produce that
has been grown by him/her, on his/her farm in one of the above mentioned,
eligible counties.
What
are the membership dues? Membership
dues are $50 for the current market season. Daily market fees of $5 will only be
charged on Saturday sales.
Want
to support the market, but not sell?
The
term “associate member” will apply to persons who do not wish to actively
sell at the market, but who wish to support the market financially. This
associate membership is similar to Lexington’s Friend of the Farmers’
Market. A catchy title for this associate membership has not been formalized
yet, although the term “Veggie Pusher” has been brought up. This associate
membership is $25. Should an associate member decide to sell at the market at a
later point in the season, they would need to pay an additional $25 to upgrade
their membership.
If
you are interested in becoming a member or associate member of the Franklin
County Farmer’s Market for 2003, please stop by the Extension Office at 101
Lakeview Court or call 695-9035 for further information. If you have web access,
you can print out the membership form directly from the website: http://ces.ca.uky.edu/franklin.
Click on horticulture and then on upcoming events and then click on the
Farmers’ Market Link.
While
the faces and technology have changed over the years, direct marketing by the
farmer to the consumer is still alive and well in Franklin County.
Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin.