Author: Jeffrey Casada
Planning Unit: Adair County CES
Major Program: Farmer's Markets
Plan of Work: Agriculture Production, Marketing and Education
Outcome: Long-Term Outcome
The Clay County Community Farmer’s Market is in its’ fifth season. 2018 has been a successful market season with gross annual sales exceeding $40,000.00. Sales are up over $10,000 from 2017.
The market participates in the Senior Voucher Program and Women Infant and Children (WIC), and through a Community Farm Alliance Grant, participates in the Double Dollars Program. This has returned more than $2400 to consumers. The market has also received $971.50 from The Foundation for Appalachia Kentucky to help hire a market manager and cost share on the double dollar program.
The market has increased the number of vendors each of the five years. This year there are 15 registered vendors and a regular vendor base of seven. All vegetable growers are certified in Produce Best Practices (PBPT).
The Clay County Cooperative Extension Service is heavily involved in the Market. The County Extension Agent for Agricultural and Natural Resources conducted PBPT training for growers. The Clay County Extension service also provides annual production training to Vegetable producers and makes regular farm visits to assist growers. All Agents have worked together to provide Microprocessor Training to those wanting to make value added products to sell at the market.
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