Farmers markets are used by Kentucky growers of all farm sizes and scales. “Market gardeners” often tend less than an acre of land to sell produce only at the lo­cal farmers market. Larger farms, including Kentucky orchards, may use farmers markets as a secondary seasonal retail outlet to reach more local customers. Farmers markets are often viewed not only as impor­tant local food marketing locations, but also as gather­ing places that benefit the local community.

Kentucky has 159 farmers’ markets and more than 2,500 vendors selling fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs, cut flowers, baked goods, crafts, and numerous other food and farm items. Consumers enjoy buying fresh, locally produced foods for their families, but they also want the opportunity to meet and show their appreciation to the people who produce the food they purchase. 

Farmers’ markets help bridge the gap for all Kentuckians by making fresh, nutritious local foods available at an affordable price. At the same time, farmers’ markets enable producers to sell directly to their customers and reap the rewards for their hard work and long hours.

Trimble County has never had a Farmers’ & Artisans Market in the past, and many of the local residents do not have a place available to purchase local grown produce.  Residents must travel out of the County in order to find these items.  Trimble County Extension Service, collaborating with Bedford City Hall and local residents has started our Farmers’ & Artisans market this year to help give access to local produce and artisans products.  In this first year, we have had five local farmers and six local artisans from within or surrounding Trimble county join the Farmers Market to become approved vendors.

We opened our Farmers Market up in 2019 for 19 Saturdays and we had 20 vendors who have sold over $6000 worth of products that were produced or grown here locally.  We expect this to continue to grow as the next summer continues on and our farmers can plan ahead for colder crops that can becomes ripe and ready for sale earlier in the spring.  The Trimble County Cooperative Extension service and the County 4-H program have been involved in the Trimble County Farmers' & Artisans market by giving away Snap Ed recipes and information on healthy food choices.  Some of the 4-H youth have been selling flowers and poultry.