As National Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Month arrives in June, highlighting the importance of fresh produce, seasonal farmers markets are reopening their doors to welcome back customers.
These outdoor markets, set up in town centers, parking areas, and roadside locations, attract buyers with locally cultivated fruits and vegetables, meat products, and artisan-crafted items, creating direct connections between producers and customers.
Page County has introduced a fresh open-air market in downtown Luray’s center, providing residents the opportunity to purchase seasonal produce while engaging with area farmers.
“The goal is to help support Page County agriculture,” said Susan Corbett, chair of the Page County Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee. “We’re trying to help stimulate farming, encourage small farmers and have a place for their products to go.”
After identifying the region’s need for a reliable outdoor market, Corbett and her team of five volunteers initiated this project to give farmers a dependable venue for sales while promoting increased local farming. Throughout Virginia, multiple county Farm Bureaus sponsor and assist their community farmers markets, advancing regional agriculture and linking consumers with local growers.
During Saturday market hours, customers will find an array of items including fresh leafy vegetables, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and squash, alongside regional meats, farm-fresh eggs, wine, bread, and pastries. Sellers will also provide enhanced products such as pickles, preserves, handcrafted soaps, and healing balms.
Farmers markets provide benefits beyond serving local residents by helping producers expand their customer base outside the immediate area.
“A lot of people come to Luray for the caverns and cabins,” Corbett said. “And many will come into town for breakfast or to shop. People love to take home local products.”
The Goochland County Farmers Market drew more than 600 visitors to its Tuesday evening opening. Supported by Goochland County Farm Bureau, this market features approximately 25 to 30 farmers, artisans, and craftspeople weekly.
“It was a huge turnout, and many of our vendors sold out of products,” said Angelia Miller, assistant director of Goochland County Parks & Recreation. She mentioned that the county recently surveyed residents about local parks and recreational preferences, with a farmers market ranking as the top request.
“It’s rewarding to see the community show up for something they explicitly asked for and value,” she commented.
Along with a broader “variety of local products,” live entertainment, and a “kids’ zone,” the market improves food accessibility by accepting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. Numerous farmers markets also join Virginia Fresh Match, an initiative that doubles the value of SNAP dollars used at participating farmers markets and stores, increasing recipients’ purchasing power for fresh fruits and vegetables.
To locate a farmers market in your area, visit vdacs.virginia.gov/vagrown or vafma.org/virginia-markets.
Media: Contact Corbett at 803-609-6343 or Miller at 804-556-5854.
