Local farmers market opens for summer business
Local farmers market opens for summer business Posted: Friday, June 12, 2009 9:13 pm
And the sale of locally-grown fruits and vegetables is a win-win situation for both growers and buyers, according to Pat Fligor, director of business development for the Obion County Joint Economic Development Council. She said the Obion County Farmers Market allows local producers to maximize farm profits, adapt to current market situations and prepare for the future, as well as make a positive impact in their community. “The Obion County Farmers Market provides an excellent venue for the sale of locally-grown, farm-fresh products to consumers,” she said. The Obion County Farmers Market — founded in 1998 — will open for the summer season Tuesday afternoon at its location on the parking lot of the Obion County Chamber of Commerce at 214 East Church St. in downtown Union City. The local market will open at 2 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday and at 7 a.m. Saturdays. It will remain open until all the produce is sold, but it is recommended that buyers arrive early for the best selection of vegetables and fruits. This year, for the first time, the farmers market will be located beneath a beautiful new pavilion made possible by grant funds. When it opened 11 years ago, the Obion County Farmers Market was located next to the Union City Municipal Building. It moved to Graham Park for a while before finding a permanent home on the Obion County Chamber of Commerce’s parking lot. Local farmers and gardeners from across the region have relied on tarpaulin canopies for shade as they congregated at the chamber parking lot three times a week. Pickups were backed into position and tailgates let down to reveal truck beds filled with fresh-picked produce. Mrs. Fligor said the Obion County Chamber of Commerce applied for and was awarded a grant from the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) Farmers Market Promotion and Retail Grant for the construction of a pavilion for shade and protection from the elements for the local farmers market. The pavilion will be utilized primarily by the farmers market but will also be shared with other community organizations for events. Construction was contracted to Brad Keightley and was completed in May, with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony held last week to mark the addition of the pavilion. “The farmers and vendors of the market need proper shelter from the elements of the weather, not only for their safety, but for the perishable state of the produce,” Mrs. Fligor said. “The pavilion will give the appearance of permanence and should help the farmers with the produce staying fresher, which in turn will increase sales. This serves as another opportunity to bring revitalization to our downtown area and enhance the quality of life for Obion County.” Since 2005, TAEP has supported agriculture in Tennessee by providing cost share funds for long-term investments in Tennessee’s livestock and farming operations. Participation in the program has allowed producers to maximize farm profits, adapt to changing market situations, improve operation safety, increase farm efficiency and make positive economic impacts in their communities, according to Mrs. Fligor. She said TAEP is a direct result of the State of Tennessee’s continued commitment to supporting farm development and Tennessee’s agricultural community. Visitors to the Obion County Farmers Market will find a wide array of homegrown produce, including — but not limited to — tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, sweet corn, okra, peppers, potatoes and blackberries. “The market serves as a great resource to our community,” Mrs. Fligor said. “It provides affordable fresh produce for families that are on a fixed income and/or low to moderate income. It especially offers a convenience to our senior citizens who are unable to maintain a garden, but still wish to purchase fresh produce.” Norma and “Winkie” Rogers are again serving as managers of the Obion County Farmers Market, while also maintaining a stall to sell their produce. The couple have been affiliated with the market for many years and are “the backbone of the program,” Mrs. Fligor said. Marilyn Turnbow is currently serving as assistant manager and also maintains a stall to sell produce. Growers are charged a very nominal fee in order to sell their homegrown goods. “Having such a high-profile program as the Obion County Farmers Market is a benefit to the local community,” Mrs. Fligor added. “It’s through programs like the farmers market that Obion County’s quality of life is enhanced. For visitors to the farmers market, the atmosphere brings back memories of ‘the good old days’ when you went to town and loaded up with homegrown fruits and vegetables.” For more information, contact the chamber office at 885-0211. Published in The Messenger 6.12.09
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