“Farmers markets have become a critical ingredient to our nation’s economy, food systems, and communities. Connecting rural to urban, farmer to consumer, and fresh ingredients to our diets, farmers markets are becoming economic and community centerpieces in cities and towns across the U.S.” (usda.gov)

In 2019 Casey County held a pilot Farmers Market to measure local interest and support for the program. The market was set up in a small parking lot beside city hall in downtown Liberty. A total of three to five producers sold at the weekly market with community members supporting local producers. 

With the support of the community, a Casey County Farmers Market (CCFM) was formed. Producers met and discussed the organization of the market, costs, and guidelines. A board was formed, officers elected, and by-laws installed for the 2020 season. Casey County Bank donated $1000 to assist the market with start-up and advertising costs in 2020 and continued this sponsorship in 2021 with another $1,000. 

Due the increase of producers, the market moved to a larger parking lot beside the courthouse; still in the downtown area. The market continued through the pandemic with much success and grown to twice as many producers for the 2021 season with an average of six vendors each week. Producers include two certified organic farmers, one hydroponics farmer, wooden crafts/bowls, soy-based candles, bake goods and other local grown/raised produce/products. An average of 40 patrons visit each week with several being weekly customers. The CCFM works with Liberty Tourism Commission to advertise the market. Tourism also provides gift certificates (to local eateries) to randomly selected patrons who visit to support local producers. The Casey County Cooperative Extension Service provides recipes, farmers market resources, and other SNAP-Ed materials and resources to visiting patrons. 

At next year’s market, with less restrictions, the Extension Office will work with Liberty Tourism Commission to purchase a mobile demonstration kitchen set-up to provide recipe demonstrations and samples to patrons.