Seasonal farmers’ markets springing to life

Tax Day has come and gone, and that means it’s time for seasonal farmers’ markets to open.

Some markets are opening this weekend, like the Tappahannock Farmers’ Market. The Essex County venue began three years ago and has more than 100 vendors selling everything from asparagus to seafood, said manager David Broad.

Carolyn Sisson, the owner of Level Green Farm and a vendor at the Tappahannock market, said she will have a variety of cool weather crops available Saturday, including asparagus, lettuce, greens, spring onions, hanging baskets and bedding plants. She expects to have strawberries in May.

In the last few years, Sisson said, she’s seen an increase in customers at the monthly market. “People like getting food that’s fresh, and they want to know who grew it. I get lots of repeat customers, but I see lots of new ones as well.”

Many markets open in May, including the Powhatan Farmers’ Market, which will open May 2, and Richmond’s South of the James Farmers’ Market, which will kick off its season May 4.

India Cox, who raises a variety of fruits and vegetables on Casselmonte Farm in Powhatan County, sells produce at both markets. She said her asparagus is ready, and she will soon have spinach, bok choy, kale and beets for sale. “Broccoli and cauliflower are bringing up the spring greens tail,” Cox said.

Virginia had only 88 markets in 2005, but that number grew to more than 225 in 2012.

“The farmers’ market is here to stay,” said Tony Banks, a Virginia Farm Bureau Federation commodity marketing specialist. “Farmers’ markets provide both small and large farm operations with a perfect venue to connect with consumers who are interested in buying fresh produce and other agricultural products.”

Some farmers sell primarily at farmers’ markets, while others use those sales as supplementary income, Banks said.