An Emporia staple, the Emporia Farmers Market, is being recognized this week by the community in observation of National Farmer’s Market Week.
The Emporia Farmers Market has been in operation since 1982, when it started out in a parking lot at Fifth Avenue and Mechanic Street. It moved to its current location at Seventh Avenue and Merchant Street in 1986.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer proclaimed Aug. 3-9 as National Farmers Market Week. During Wednesday’s Emporia City Commission meeting, commissioners passed a proclamation in Emporia designating this week as Farmers Market Week in Emporia as well.
“We needed one. It will finally recognize an amazing, decades-long growth phenomenon. Or, you could say two growth phenomena, both of which are now nationwide,” Said Ted Carey, horticulturist with Kansas State University Research and Extension.
Many of the old-time farmers markets were put out of business after World War II when modern supermarkets made their debut, Carey said.
“Some of those lost were markets that could trace their roots to when pioneer farms loaded up their wagon on Saturday and drove into town, ready to trade,” he said.
In the 1970s, farmers markets began to make a comeback. The public was interested in buying fresh-picked foods and farmers were looking for extra income.
“It didn’t take long for each group to see it had a vested interest in the other,” Carey said. “Even some communities were quick to realize that a farmers market might also help boost the local economy.”
By 1994, the number of U.S. farmers markets had climbed to 1,750. By July 2008, the number was closer to 4,700.
Today, Emporia’s Farmers Market is flourishing. Naomi and Harold Brenzikofer of rural Emporia have been a part of the market for more than 20 years. They brought a wide array of vegetables and flowers to Wednesday evening’s market in Emporia. They come every Wednesday and Saturday, Naomi Brenzikofer said.
“It helps to put groceries on the table,” she said, adding that both she and her husband are retired.
Brenzikofer said she enjoys the market.
“It’s a nice-size market,” Brenzikofer said. “Everybody is really friendly. They like the food that we have.”
Tracey Graham of the Emporia Farmers Market said July was a good month for the market.
“It’s finished off really strong,” Graham said.
In July there were $22,267 in sales, $800 more than the record set in July 2006. Of July’s total sales, $998 were non-taxable Senior Nutrition Program sales; $1,445 was paid in sales tax; $1,743 was paid in commissions and $105 in one-time promotional fees. Fees are used to support the Learning Connection, which is the umbrella organization the market functions under. The fees help pay for promotion of the market and provide special events.
The Emporia Farmers Market is open Wednesday evening and Saturday morning in peak growing season.
Some facts
• More than 45 percent of the nation’s markets, including Emporia’s, participate in the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which is similar to WIC’s voucher program.
• About one in four of the nation’s farmers markets, including Emporia’s, contribute any surplus they have to “gleaning” program that distribute food to local homeless shelters, community pantries and other charitable organizations that feed the hungry.
How to fit in
If you’re a newcomer to the farmers market, it may seem a bit foreign at first. Here are some tips to fitting in.
• Pace yourself. Take time to walk through the entire market before making your purchases. Talk to the farmers.
• Pick the best. Avoid bruised or wilted or otherwise damaged produce. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
• Keep it fresh. Bring your own reusable bags. If nothing else, that will reduce the number of plastic bags floating around the market. Bring a cooler and keep it in the car complete with ice or frozen ice packs.
• Some markets, such as the Emporia Farmers Market, offers homemade jams, bedding plants, cut flowers, and an array of treasures.
Source: K-State Research & Extension Office