When It Comes to Produce, the Trend is Local

With Virginia Farmer’s Market week around the corner, local markets as well as customers are supporting the community by purchasing locally grown produce.

By: Lauren Boehnlein, Maureen Linke, Christina Rogers

In response to the growing popularity of Virginia farmers markets, Gov. Tim Kaine has designated August 2-8 as Farmer’s Market Week. Richmond shoppers recognize the importance of purchasing local produce. 

 Lakeside Farmers Market in Henrico County has only been in operation for two years. However it has seen a steady increase in its customer base and vendors since its opening in 2008.

“It supports our community and it’s good to keep things regional. Anytime you can support those around you it’s a good thing” said Jen Poe, a Lakeside Farmers Market customer.

 Poe, like many customers, shops at the

 “People are starting to realize that it’s here, that we’ve since started to establish ourselves, people have started coming out,” said Market Coordinator Julia Dunville.

 This farmers market is open two days a week and hosts about 10 to 15 vendors per marketing period. Vendors bring their goods to the market from areas around the state including Henrico, Hanover and as far as Warsaw in Northern Virginia.

What Sets Lakeside Apart from the Rest

 
 There are many other farmers markets in the Richmond area, including the 17th Street Farmers Market that is located in Shockoe Bottom, which has over a 100 year history in the Richmond area. But there are certain things that set Lakeside apart from all the rest.
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Evelyn Allen has been coming to the 17th Street Farmers Market for over 65 years. View the audio slideshow to hear Evelyn talk about her childhood memories of 17th Street Farmers Market.

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“The 17th Street Market has evolved into things that are more than just produce market, they do the whole festival approach to it,” said Peter Francisco, the owner of the Lakeside Farmers Market. “What makes us different than almost any other market is that we are produce only.”

 Francisco says that the market is regulated by a provisional use permit from Henrico County that states that they cannot sell arts and crafts or prepared or processed foods.

 
 In addition to being a produce only market, Lakeside strives to give back to the community and the local economy.

 “We sell strictly things that come off the farm. If it is a processed item, like baked goods, they are regulated by the Virginia Department of Agriculture.”

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Listen to a podcast interview with Yasmeen Bey, co-owner of Tea Co. and vendor at Lakeside Farmers Market. She shares her thoughts on how farmers markets contribute to the local economy.

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“We focus on economic redevelopment … we are privately owned,” said Francisco. “17th street is funded by the Economic Development Department of Virginia.”

Additionally, the Lakeside market strives to incorporate a more educational aspect to their market. A couple weeks ago, an agricultural extension agent came to show customers how to safely preserve and can foods.

 “We try to have something of value like that, while it may not be a big production, but people can talk to vendors to get information,” said Sharon Francisco.

Virginia farmers markets offer a variety of local produce not available in grocery stores.

“They have things that you can’t buy anywhere else,” said Wayne Moffett, a shopper who frequents both the downtown and Lakeside farmers markets.

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Lisa Granger, owner of The Fat Goat restaurant in Richmond, and chef Jeff Mosca support the local comminity by purchasing and serving locally grown food. View the audio slideshow for more of their insight.

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The number of Virginia farmers markets has doubled since 2005, and there are more than 170 statewide. Locals who previously shopped only in grocery stores are taking notice.

“It’s our first time here, we came by because we wanted to see what was available,” said shopper Jane Phillips. “We are actually checking out two today to do a comparison. I feel like fresh food is healthier and supporting the community we live in are reasons everyone should start shopping at the farmer’s markets if they don’t already.”

Farmers Market Week in Virginia

 
 According to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), farmers markets help to keep Virginia’s economy strong by helping to sustain working farms. Additionally, the site states that farmers markets in the state have a $55 billion dollar impact on the Virginia economy and have provided over 350,000 jobs.

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Listen to a podcast interview with Tom Winston, a third generation farmer, who believes that purchasing local produce is vital not only to the economy but also to the health of the community.

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Throughout the week, various markets and organizations state-wide are holding various events to celebrate.

“Somebody is going to come do some onsite cooking with some of the produce,” said Dunville.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services are sponsoring an Eat Local Recipe Contest in conjunction with Virginia Grown. The only stipulation of the contest is that contestants must use as many locally grown and produced products as possible.

Additional Hyperlinks:

Eat Local Chief Recipes

Local Harvest