Hanover’s Perspective
Farmers’ Market Season in Full Swing
Virginia’s farmers’ markets are now open throughout the state and people are thronging to them to satisfy their hunger for local agricultural products. The popularAshland Farmers Market and Farmers Market at New Highland Baptist Church has been operating for many years, and now the Montpelier Center Farmers Market is celebrating its inaugural year in Hanover County.
In the most recent Census of Agriculture, more than 3,500 farms in Virginia reported selling directly to consumers. The Census also reported that Virginians spent more than $41 million in-state on fresh, local fruits, vegetables and more, and that the Commonwealth ranked tenth among all states in direct farm-to-consumer sales. Those sales can include on-farm stands, pick-your-own farms and direct sales to restaurants, but farmers’ markets are one of the favorite ways for farmers to sell directly to the public.
Virginia boasts around 250 farmers’ markets now, compared to 85 markets in 2005. That represents growth of 194 percent in 11 years, and the number of markets could grow. “It is very common to see new farmers’ markets open every year,” said Sandra J. Adams, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. “They have become a community gathering place where friends and neighbors meet to shop, taste, socialize and buy fresh products for the week.”
Adams encourages visitors to local markets to take the pledge to grow the local economy as they shop. Consumers who track their purchases with a “Farm. Fresh. Pledge!” punch card will have the chance to win a Virginia Grown/Virginia’s Finest™ prize pack valued at up to $200. For every $10 spent, shoppers get a punch on their cards. Consumers who fill up all 14 slots on their card, hand it over to the market manager for entry into the monthly drawing. Pledge punch cards and marketing materials are available at participating Virginia farmers’ markets.
Farmers’ Markets in Hanover County
Ashland Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – Noon
121 Thompson Street Ashland, VA 23005
May – October
Farmers Market at New Highland Baptist Church
Wednesdays, 4–7 p.m.
9200 New Ashcake Road Mechanicsville, VA 23116
May – September
The Montpelier Center Farmers Market
Thursdays, 4–7 p.m.
17205 Mountain Road Montpelier, VA 23192
June 16 – October 20