By Darrell Blackwelder
For the Salisbury Post
Even though it’s cold outside and in the dead of winter, Rowan producers are busy gearing up for the upcoming 2009 Salisbury Farmer’s Market.
Growers have early spring crops emerging in greenhouses and vegetable seeds are arriving daily for spring planting.
Sales and participation at the 2008 Farmer’s Market were the best since the market opened in 2004. All vendors had an increase in total sales, some with total sales increases as much as 50 percent. Many growers regard 2008 as the turning point for the market and are optimistic that 2009 will be even better.
The market’s success can be attributed to a number of factors. The initial investment of capital and support from the city of Salisbury and Downtown Salisbury Inc. was instrumental in getting the market off the ground. Grants from the Blanche and Julian Robertson Family Foundation provided needed financial support for the market manager and other business expenses.Many customers are buying local, supporting local growers. Consumers realize the benefits of actually speaking to the person who grows their food. A study in Iowa found that, on average, food travels 1,500 miles from farm to plate. A grocery chain touts it buys locally grown produce. However, “locally grown” meant produce could be shipped six hours away.
Another strength of the market is its organization and ability to seek change. The market operates with elected officers comprised of vendors and non-vendors, allowing input from local citizens.
The market is constantly trying to improve by seeking as much input from outside sources as possible. Earlier this month, Mike Miller from Miller Davis Agency updated vendors with new marketing trends and pertinent information to help reach younger audiences. The average age of Farmer’s Market customers in Salisbury is over 35.
On Wednesday, Paula Bohland, a consultant with Community Integration and Training Inc., will moderate a discussion on thoughts and suggestions for the upcoming market. The forum is open to the public. The market needs input from it patrons, vendors or potential vendors. Please mark your calendar and attend if possible. If you can’t attend, you can help by answering a short online anonymous survey designed to help the market board plan at: http://ceres.cals. ncsu.edu/surveybuilder/Form.cfm?TestID=7148 or go to the Salisbury Farmer’s Market Web site at www.salisburyfarmersmarket.com and click on 2009 Market Survey.
The 2009 Salisbury Farmer’s Market officially opens on Saturday morning, April 18. Please help make this market remain a viable part of your community with your input and patronage.