Old Washington Farmers’ Market Planning Success

Over 30 farmer/producers and community members turned out for the first meeting of the Old Washington Farmers market on Thursday, March 5 at the Washington Volunteer Fire Department. Following a presentation of how the farmers’ market idea began and going over the first draft of market rules and regulations, 15 farmer/producers signed up to be vendors at the market. Their has been interest from many other farmers as well. It is an Arkansas-grown and produced market.

“We are very excited about how successful the market planning has been to date and look forward to providing a place for farmers to sell their produce in this wonderful location” said Board Member Stephanie Buckley. Surrounded by beautiful Historic Washington State Park, the market will be held behind Washington Town Hall on Tuesday afternoons from 3 until 6 and on Saturday’s from 7 a.m. until Noon from mid- May through October. Our mission is to provide local producers and their neighbors a gathering place that fosters the connection between our food, our culture, our land and our environment.

The Old Washington Farmers Market Board has worked closely with the Howard County Farmers Market (Nashville), the Gateway Farmers’ Market (Texarkana) and the Arkansas Farmers’ Market Association to ensure success of market planning and implementation. “We feel that working with other markets in the area will only help the farmers. With more places for them to sell their produce, they can produce more and make more money. Additionally, as consumers are becoming more concerned about where their food comes from, the farmers’ market is an opportunity to speak right with the person who grew the food that your family will consume.

In addition to farmer/producers, also in attendance at the planning meeting were Dr. Vic Ford, University of Arkansas Southwest Research & Extension Center; Gerald Alexander, Hempstead County Extension Agent; Jean Jones, president of the Arkansas Farmers Market Association; and Old Washington Farmers’ Market Board Members, Stephanie Buckley, Bob Erwin, LuGene Erwin, Paul Henley, and Keenan Williams.