“We are going to be starting on June 13 this year,” said Annie Humes, director of the Pendleton County Farmers Market. “This date is huge because it is also our second annual farm crawl.”
She explained that on that day, the Farmers Market would serve as a “hub” connecting all of the other attractions for that day.
The market will be open from 8 a.m. to noon with the crawl starting then. More details will come as the event draws closer.
Humes stated that she is holding vendor meetings as information only and not a requirement for participation. “They can learn about the rules, ask questions,” she said.
Two groups of individuals can receive vouchers with which to purchase fresh foods. The Seniors’ Farmers Market Nutrition Program, operated by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture and the Farmers Market Nutrition Program, offered through WIC, both can be used to purchase fresh, unprepared, and locally grown foods, including fresh herbs. These are usable at qualified farmers markets, roadside stands, and approved farms/ farmers.
Pendleton County has a number of regular vendors, many of them from farms in the county. “We’re expecting all of our old regulars back,” Humes said, then added that “we encourage other people to try it out.” The Pendleton County Farmers Market in recent years used grant funding to purchase a modern point of sale system that easily organizes consignment sales.
Vendors need not be present to sell. Since the beginning, Humes has emphasized that the market is always open to those small-time producers and hobbyists who may not produce large amounts for sale consistently. “We have a couple of people who are drowning in green beans who come in and sell. If you are interested, please stop in and have a chat,” said Humes.
She also noted that the drought may affect some of the producers’ ability to get product to market every week.
One important point to note, Humes shared that “as of this season, farmers market permits from the West Virginia Department of Agriculture are free.” This removes, at least for this year, the annual fee.
The market will run through the summer until early September.
