The demand for locally grown fresh produce has increased exponentially over the last few years.  With the success of the KY Proud initiative, local Farmers Markets have become the catalyst to provide safe, fresh and nutritious produce to communities across the state.  The Caldwell County Extension Service in collaboration with multiple partners including the Caldwell county Farmers Market, County government, City government, and Farmers Market supporters hosted two Farm to Table Dinners to raise awareness, funds, and increase community participation in the local Farmers Market.  At the first dinner, Warren Beeler, Director of the Governor’s Office of Agriculture Policy relayed the State Agriculture Development Board’s plan to have a multi-use pavilion in every county in the state to further promote Kentucky agriculture and local products.

Following the dinners, Extension was approached by local government about exploring the possibilities of building a permanent structure on city owned property to be used for Farmers Market and other local events. A committee was formed and consists of representatives from city and county government, Farmers Market, Extension Service, and Planters Bank.  The committee has met with Warren Beeler from the Governor’s Office of Ag Policy, KCARD, and USDA Rural Development to discuss an original idea for the Farmers Market.  Instead of the industry standard large single structure pavilion, lot limitations forced a unique approach for a non-traditional farmers market structure.  An original city project had incorporated small pavilions on a lot in downtown Princeton used as a small city park, leaving room for a second phase that was already partially funded.  An idea of expanded individual market cabanas spread through the winding landscape of this lot would preserve the existing older trees and provide natural shade for both vendors and participants.  

Extension helped facilitate planning meetings, the writing of grant funding applications, and provided communication between groups as needed.  The project is in the final design and funding phase and completion is expected in spring 2021.