Statistics have shown that local farmer’s markets provide numerous attributes to the community they serve, including wide growth to the local economy. In 2013, the Knott County Extension Service began a weekly farmers market,In summer of 2022 the market was hit with devastating flood, damaging the pavilion it serves from. 

In an effort to bring some normalcy back to our community, the market reopened in June of 2023. Due to some market growers not participating because of the impact the flood had on their farms, the committee and market manager were concerned about how successful the market would be. 

With dedication from the agriculture agent and farmers market manager, they were able to almost double the number of vendors, allowing the market to recover fully. This was great for our clients to have the opportunity for local food to refill many empty shelves and freezers with their favorite vegetables lost during the flood.  Also, the market has become a place to gather and socialize in our community, something that was much needed after the flood. The 2023 markets also positively impacted our local economy with over fifteen thousand dollars in sales.  Cooperative Extension is excited about looking at new ways to broaden and strengthen our market each year to support our local farmers.