Jim and Brenda Fields representing Sweet Bee Gardens 

The Greenup County Farmers Market was established in 2005 with farmer 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.  

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 securing funding from the Kentucky Office of Agriculture Policy with a match from the Greenup County Fiscal Court that will build a permanent pavilion. The pavilion will be located on the Greenup County Extension property in 2023.

The goal of the Spring Market and Holiday Market was to identify 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. 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. The Greenup County Farmers Market is an all-encompassing shopping and event destination for the community!