The Powell County Farmer’s market is beloved in the community for the direct access to fresh locally grown produce.  The market is also a vital revenue stream for farmers in the community.  The Covid-19 pandemic and uncertainty surrounding the safety of the market threatened to cancel the 2020 market season.  

Extension identified the need to educate market vendors, consumers and help guide the implementation of practices to ensure the safety of the community by proper logistics.

In partnership with Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Powell County Health Department, the Powell County Extension Office developed a training for the Farmer’s Market.   The training introduced concepts of social distancing, safe money handling and developing a safe customer experience.  The Farmer’ Market board voted that completion of the training was mandatory to sell at the Market.  In addition, the Extension Office used social media, newspaper articles and infographics placed around the market and throughout town to educate consumers on doing their part to create a safe market experience.  

Seven vendors completed the training.  The safe market procedures and logistics along with a rise in demand for local produce resulted in a banner year for the market.  Two farmers reported record sales in 2020.  Seniors in the county were able to take full advantage of the market with 134 receiving Senior Market Vouchers spending $3,860 with our local farmers.