The Metcalfe County Farmers Market Agriculture Development Grant expansion project has finished phase 1, with the completion of the new much larger Farmers Market Pavilion.  The Farmers Market was able to utilize the new pavilion beginning in August 2020, but due to COVID restrictions, has not yet been able to hold a "grand opening" event.  

Phase two of this project, the build - in of the old Farmers Market pavilion, to turn it into a community teaching and commercial kitchen, was stalled due to a shortage of construction supplies and waiting for a pro - bono build plan to be developed by a local construction company. Metcalfe County Extension District has received a 6 month extension for phase two, from the Kentucky Agriculture Development Board.  We are moving forward with the pro bono specs/build plan in early May 2021, we will then advertise for bids and begin to move forward to completion. 

The Metcalfe County Farmers Market had a highly successful 2020 season.  For the first time, they operated on Fridays from April 3, 2021 past the end of October, through Friday December 18th.  2020 season vendor reported income, was the highest ever exceeding the 2019 total reported vendor income by nearly $16,000.00.  82.55 % of the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition program vouchers distributed to Seniors with limited resources and 32 % of the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition vouchers distributed were redeemed.  Metcalfe County Farmers Market provided $3,464.00 in match on vouchers and SNAP benefits through participation in the Kentucky Double dollars program and $160.00 in food aid through a locally funded farmers market voucher program in partnership with the Metcalfe Co. Schools Family Resource Youth Service center staff.

Eight new vendor producers were added, who paid to participate in the 2020 Metcalfe County Farmers Market Season.  One new Farmers Market was started in downtown Tompkinsville on third Street on Saturdays, by one of the long - time MCFM producer members with technical assistance from Metcalfe County Extension Agents.

The Metcalfe County Extension office coordinated grab and go bag pick - ups for Friday's, during peak Market season during Market times, with 50 or more bags going out during each Market Friday, April - August 2020.  The Agent for FCS Education advertised pressure canner lid testing at the Extension office and distributed the Plate - It - Up Kentucky Proud (PIUKYP) Meal Plans and additional relevant Extension Food Safety and Preservation publications to Farmers Market customers and producers in a COVID safe manner, during the 2020 peak season.  Seven different pressure canner dial gauges were tested and all of the meal plans provided by UKFCS Specialist Heather Norman-Burgdolf, were distributed through the Market to customers and producers.