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 2018, in its fifth 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. This year, the new manager worked extremely hard with Knott Extension Agriculture Agent and the Knott County Farmers Committee. The market season was expanded and a total of thirty-three markets were held from June through September. Two regular markets were open each week; one was at the Knott County Extension Service, and the other on the Hindman Settlement School campus.  For five years, the market has maintained a steady level of vendors and sales. This year, we served 122% more customers, sold 60% more produce, and housed 150% more vendors than in 2017. Also, this year’s sales increased to a total $14,567.00.

We expanded our efforts to bring fresh produce to underserved populations by accepting SNAP EBT (food stamps) and launching Diabetes Dollars, a voucher program that provides fresh produce to people with chronic health problems. After receiving a grant from the USDA midway through the season, we began the work to create the infrastructure necessary to accept SNAP EBT cards. By September, our EBT machines were up and running. We also received a lot of additional sponsorship and grants totaling over $10,000 from various community business and organizations including Community Farm Alliance, Hindman Settlement School, and the Knott County Extension Service. 

The 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.