Statistics have shown that local farmer’s markets provide numerous attributes to the community it serves, including wide growth to the local economy. The Knott County Extension Service began supporting a weekly farmer’s market in 2013. In 2022, in its ninth year, the market has seen tremendous growth and gained stability with two markets held weekly, and has enjoyed a steady number of customers throughout the growing season. Through these developing markets and the popularity of local grown foods the markets continue to grow and improve. 

Since 2017, The Knott County Farmer’s Market Committee has been able to hire a Farmers Market manager to increase the scope of the market. With A new market manager, the Knott County Extension Agriculture Agent and the Knott County Farmers Committee, have expanded the market in numerous ways. The market season keeps expanding and a total of twenty-five markets were held from May through September in 2021. Two regular markets were open each week; at our permanent location on the Hindman Settlement School campus.  For five years, the market has maintained a steady level of vendors and sales. This past year’s sales increased to a total $20,657.00.

We expanded our efforts to bring fresh produce to underserved populations by accepting SNAP EBT, WIC, Carrot Cash for kids, and Diabetes Dollars, a voucher program that provides fresh produce to people with chronic health problems. Also last year the farmers market received $5,000.00 from the Knott County Agriculture Development, provided by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund.  The Funds allowed us to by a cargo trailer, for additional storage and to have pop up markets to underserved areas of the county. We also used the funds to help with signage for marketing and to better serve our market vendors.  This has allowed to help our market continues to flourish and with the efforts of the committee and the manager it will continue to provide money directly to local farmers who sell. Not only do our residents appreciate the fresh local food, the markets also have a positive impact on our local economy and provide a fun and relaxing time for those who visit. Cooperative Extension is excited about looking at new ways to broaden and strengthen our market each year to support our local farmers.