It’s all about passion.
Leigh Thompson, market manager for the Sandy Springs Farmers Market, said that’s what you get when you buy from a farmers market.
“You can taste the passion. It comes through.”
Over the course of the next few weeks, we’ll see a return of beloved farmers, food artisans and other local producers as market season unfolds.
According to Georgia Organics, farmers markets continue to blossom throughout the state. In just the past year, the number of registered markets in Georgia has grown from 96 to 136.
Not only do consumers have better access to farmers markets, the increased competition between venues also may have added benefit to customers.
“The farmers markets are all stepping up their game to attract people,” said Michael Wall of Georgia Organics. “Market managers are upping their standards for vendors, many now requiring produce to be organic or certified naturally grown.”
Some markets also have also opted to open on weekdays or evenings to differentiate themselves and broaden their audience. The Decatur Farmers Market opens twice a week in two separate locations.
Many local farmers markets endeavor to become destinations and emphasize community togetherness. Weekly gatherings often feature live music and children’s activities to draw families. “We see more people not just coming to buy good food, but looking for a place to spend an afternoon,” said Brooke Hatfield of Georgia Organic.
Demonstrations by popular chefs like Linton Hopkins, Hugh Acheson and Kevin Gillespie lure customers to attend. Chefs not only entertain, but inspire customers to purchase and use products sold at the market. According to Hatfield, “The restaurant community has great relationships with farmers, and farmers markets are leveraging that.”
By purchasing from area farmers and producers, market-goers make a direct investment in their local economy. For every $100 spent in a traditional grocery store, Hatfield said, only $25 is respent locally, whereas for every $100 spent at a farmers market, $62 is respent locally.
So, grab your cash and those reusable shopping bags and head out for an adventure at one of these local farmers markets.
Decatur Farmers Market
This year-round farmers market opens twice a week. By alternating day/evening and weekday/weekend times, the market is accessible to a wide audience. Tink’s Grassfed Beef, Goodness Gracious Granola, Nazifa’s Bakery and Mercier Orchards are among the vendors.
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays year-round at 498 N. McDonough St., Decatur. 4-7 p.m. Wednesdays March-October and 3-6 p.m. November-February at 163 Clairmont Ave., Decatur. www.decaturfarmersmarket.com.
Dunwoody Green Market
This market has a new location this year at the Shops of Dunwoody. Participating vendors must be certified organic or naturally grown. You’ll find honey, free-range eggs, beef, pork, poultry, cured meats and more. This market also offers a Community Supported Agriculture program.
8 a.m.-noon Wednesdays through November. 5500 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody. www.dunwoodygreenmarket.com.
East Atlanta Village Farmers Market
This community market offers live music, a kids activity booth and weekly cooking demos to create a festive atmosphere. It offers close to 40 vendors, including Atlanta Gourmet Mushrooms, Love is Love Farm at Gaia Gardens, Cafe Campesino, Revolution Doughnuts and Honeysuckle Gelato.
4-8 p.m. Thursdays through Dec. 12. 561 Flat Shoals Ave., Atlanta. www.farmeav.com.
Grant Park Farmers Market
Originally started as a pilot program of the Grant Park Conservancy in 2011, this market continues to grow. Look for demos by popular Atlanta chefs, including Todd Richards, Joe Truex, Shaun Doty and Hugh Acheson. Small, local producers like Frolona Farm, Jackson Lowe Vegetable Farm, Atlanta Fresh Artisan Creamery and Riverview Farms participate each week.
9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sundays April 21-Dec. 15. 600 Cherokee Ave, Atlanta. www.grantparkmarket.org.
Lawrenceville Farmers Market
You’ll find this market in a new location this year as it moves back to downtown Lawrenceville. In addition to large farms selling produce, a section of the market is reserved for backyard growers. Other vendors offer baked goods, jams and jellies, beef jerky and spice blends. Some farm crafts like handmade baskets also can be found.
8 a.m.-noon Saturdays June 1-Sept. 7. 153 E. Crogran St., Lawrenceville. www.lawrencevillefarmersmarket.com.
Marietta Square Farmers Market
Located on historic Marietta Square, this lively market sets up Saturdays and Sundays. The Saturday market is year-round and boasts nearly 60 vendors selling an array of produce, soaps, honey, breads, preserves and dog biscuits. You’ll find jams from Emily G’s, pesto from Hope’s Garden and peaches from Pearson Farm. Kids can enjoy King of Pops treats while having their faces painted.
9 a.m.-noon Saturdays year-round; noon-3 p.m. Sundays through November. 65 Church St., Marietta. www.mariettasquarefarmersmarket.net.
Peachtree Road Farmers Market
After you make the mad dash for tomatoes with the opening bell, peruse the 50 vendors selling items they have grown, raised or made. Check the market’s website for an impressive list of chef demos throughout the season. Vendors include Heirloom Gardens, Batdorf & Bronson Coffee Roasters, Decimal Place Farm, H&F Bread Co. and Red Queen Tarts. Restaurants like Souper Jenny and Farm Burger also will be on hand to provide lunch after a morning of shopping.
8:30 a.m.-noon Saturdays through September, 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays October-December. 2744 Peachtree Road N.W., Atlanta. www.peachtreeroadfarmersmarket.com.
Piedmont Park Green Market
This popular intown market opened its 10th year and has expanded from an average of 30 vendors to 40 each week. Local farmers, bakers, sauce makers and hand made goodies are on hand for purchase. While you shop you can enjoy prepared foods and drinks for breakfast and lunch and take some time to enjoy live music and a chef demonstration. Activities for include monthly cooking classes, and there are seasonal workshops such as canning.
9 a.m. -1 p.m Saturdays., at Piedmont Park’s 12th Street entrance gate. http://www.piedmontpark.org/programs/green_market.html
Sandy Springs Farmers Market
A strong commitment to community causes characterizes this market, which allows nonprofit and civic organizations to set up to promote awareness and raise funds. The market features live music and children’s activities to supplement the products from more than 45 sellers. Pine Street Market and Storico Fresco Pasta are new vendors this year.
8:30 a.m.-noon Saturdays through October. 235 Sandy Springs Circle N.W., Sandy Springs. www.sandyspringsfarmersmarket.com.
Whistlestop Farmers Market
Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, this Norcross market, held in Thrasher Park, features products grown using organic and natural practices. Look for about 35 booths selling produce, baked goods, yogurt, eggs, milk and spices. Anderson Meat Co. carries free-range buffalo and Double Hill Farm offers free-range, locally-raised pork.
4-8 p.m. Tuesdays May 7-Sept. 24. 7 Jones St., Norcross. www.norcrossfarmersmarket.com.
