The Greenup County Farmers Market was established in 2005 with farmer/producer vendors only. As the market grew and became more established in the community, some local artisans became interested in participating as vendors. At first, there was some hesitation on the part of farmers about expanding the focus of agricultural economy into the creative economy. Because of the leadership, encouragement, and modeling of team work from the Ag Agent, FCS Agent, and the Community Arts Agent, the first Holiday Market that included artisan vendors was established in 2014. The success of that event inspired a Spring Market in 2015 that featured artisan vendors prior to the produce season that also served as early promotion for the regular market season.  

Because of the addition of home processor, artisan and craft vendors, the Greenup County Farmers Market has now grown to over 40 vendor members that offer a variety of handmade and homemade items along with fresh fruits, vegetables, and value-added consumables. The market is open each Saturday at the Greenup County Extension Office building and has added two satellite locations in other areas of the county - by request of those communities. Customer count records and vendor sales show a marked increase in attendance and sales. 

These successes led to secured funding from the Department of Agriculture with a match from the Greenup County Fiscal Court that will build a permanent pavilion for the Greenup County Farmers Market on Greenup County Extension property in 2023. The satellite markets will continue as pop ups in their current locations with the home market being in the permanent structure on Saturdays with special event features and community partnerships for educational outreach. 

The goal of the Spring Market and Holiday Market was to identify home processors, artisan and craft vendors who would be appropriate additions to the Farmers Market in order to provide a boost of items for sale when produce is at its lowest availability. With the addition of greenhouses and high tunnels, the producer's season is longer and market customers are so accustomed to the variety of items for sale from market vendors that they expect the artisan and craft products all market season long. Producers have come to realize that the artisan and craft vendors draw their own unique customer base that supplements the traditional market customer base. This has caused an increase in customer numbers and also an increase in the amount of time shoppers stay at the market. All of these elements have worked together to grow the Greenup County Farmers Market in numbers and also in cultural connection. The market has taken on a life of its own that includes all vendors and shoppers. 

Because of this success, there is no longer a need for separate advertising for the Spring and Holiday Markets. The regular market season has been expanded to include early and late crops along with the handmade, homemade, and value-added items at every market. The Greenup County Farmers Market is an all-encompassing shopping and event destination for the community!