Montgomery Farmers Market makes 2012 plans ♥

As submitted for publication in the Courier-Tribune on March 21, 2012

By Hugh Martin

TROY — Following a successful first year as an organized market, officials of the Montgomery County Farmers Market have been planning for a new season, but with a few changes.

Lynn Epps, association president, said the second season will be building off the first one.

“We were just operating by the seat of our pants last year,” she said. “We got a late start and a group of producers that were attending a local food conference at the Cooperative Extension Service in Troy felt that Montgomery County was in desperate need of a source for fresh, locally grown farm products.”

The first year of the market’s existence, 25 area farmers joined the association.

“That’s great for a first-time market,” said Danelle McKnight, the Horticulture agent for Montgomery County branch of the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service. “While all market vendors did not find success last year, many of them learned from their experience and are working off those experiences.”

McKnight said that it typically takes a minimum of seven years for a market to be successful.

“A market that is constantly changing itself year after year is not going to succeed. You need to find your niche and tweak it from season to season in order to make it a success,” she said.

Last year vendors split their week between two markets in Troy and Star. A market for Candor was attempted late in the season, but found little success.

“We went into Candor without a good plan and it didn’t work,” Epps said. “We did not have a successful way to market to the diverse population in the Candor area.”

This year, the association has a cushion to fall back on that includes a lifeline for decision-making. The association was approached last fall by a research group that is looking at rural farmers markets and how they operate. The research is being conducted through Fayetteville State University and comes with a $20,000 grant for the association to spend.

The association is developing the required business plan and budget to receive the funding.

“We have looked at our first year and surveyed the vendors, who have made numerous suggestions for improvement to the market,” Epps said. The biggest need that was identified was promotion of the market. We have to get the word out to let people know that, yes ,you can eat healthier and locally. We are working on advertisements and promotional items for our customers so they will remember our vendors and when the market is held.”

The association is in the process of designing tote bags, T-shirts, caps, bumper stickers and other ways to get the word out about the market. An arrangement has been made for Mt. Gilead Community Radio 88.1 to promote the market and plans are including other media outlets such as radio, television, Internet and newspapers.

The 2012 market will open its doors Thursday, April 5, from 3:30-6:30 p.m. The market will also host an after-hours event for members of the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce. Opening day will include a number of activities for children and adults.

Will McCanless, who is well-known for his pottery, is also an accomplished musician. He will be on hand from 4-6:30 p.m., performing Celtic and old time American music on banjo, mandolin, fiddle and guitar.

You will find the Montgomery County Farmers' Market at 417 North Main Street in Troy, in the parking lot with the Cash Points ATM.

For more information on the Montgomery County Farmers Market Association, including vendor information, contact Danelle McKnight at (910) 576-6011.