Root of the Matter

Local farmers markets cultivate community

Farmers markets have always been part of the fabric of Arkansas rural life. From the early settlement days when families would bring their wares to market to trade, to today’s renewed interest in farm-to-table fresh produce and products, these gatherings are an important part of small-town life.

Over the course of the past 20 years, farmers markets have bloomed all across the state. While some, like the venerable Fayetteville Farmers Market in northwest Arkansas, are decades old, more than half have come together in the past decade. Many were established in the past few years, such as the Emmet Farmers Market in southwest Arkansas, which was founded thanks to a grant that funded a new pavilion for farmers and vendors. Others, like Greenwood Market in western Arkansas, have recently moved to the town’s square and come closer to the heart of the city. A growing desire for fresh, local goods and stronger community ties statewide has helped these newer operations blossom.

The Sheridan Farmers Market in central Arkansas “was founded in 2019 as an initiative brought about through Kick Start Sheridan, Inc.,” Sarah Ottens shares. She’s with the Kick Start Sheridan program, which helps develop community programming. “It continues to be a popular seasonal activity for our growing small town.”

Traditional farmers markets were places where produce, eggs and other commodities were sold. Today’s farmers markets are usually more multifaceted, allowing in other vendors such as those with cottage industry goods like bread, jams and jellies and pastries. Others also offer products from clothing to crafts being offered alongside cantaloupes and corn.

“I think our market is unique based on our variety of vendors,” says Casey Craig, who works with Greenwood Market in downtown Greenwood. “We have folks selling meat, honey, sourdough bread and vegetables. We also have some young entrepreneurs selling handmade jewelry. We have a very diverse group!”

These gatherings have become hub activities for small towns across Arkansas — not just as a place to shop, but a weekly event that brings in people to experience more of what those towns have to offer.

“We are a very new market,” offers Dee Clark, market manager at the Emmet Farmers Market. “Our market asks vendors to donate an item (not required) to our giveaway basket. We have all the customers sign up, and we draw a name at the end of the market. This has been a huge success; everyone has loved receiving an item from each vendor.”

Ottens says, “We often try to pair community activities around the courthouse square with the farmers market to make it a larger event, keep things interesting and fun for the family. Activities can vary from Junkin’ on Main Downtown Flea Market pop-ups to pancake breakfast on the courthouse lawn, to health fairs or art shows. At least one Saturday a month we try to have local live music on the courthouse square. … You come for the farmers market and then go visit the local shops and boutiques, grab a bite to eat at the food truck or visit one of our downtown restaurants, then visit the vintage arcade located on the courthouse square. Make a day of it!”

They’ve also become popular stops for tourists. The Bentonville Farmers Market in northwest Arkansas, which runs from April to October each year, saw more than 200,000 visitors in 2023, according to Downtown Bentonville, Inc. Other larger cities, like Rogers and Little Rock, also see folks from out of town coming in — and that sometimes draws in vendors from further away, too.

Smaller markets have also seen an uptick. Kaylynn Toombs and her husband, Jon, set up their operation, Homestead Farms, with A Cup of Love Ministry’s Farmers and Friends Market in Eureka Springs a few years back. They offer seasonal vegetables like cabbage, kohlrabi and carrots alongside A&A Orchards’ apples and ciders and other local products, like Pleasant Valley Farms’ pork, McLoud Farms’ eggs and sourdough bread, Rockin’ N Ranch’s beef and Davis Farm’s produce. The Toombses also offer online ordering, which helps ensure consumers are able to pick up the vegetables they need. For vendors, farmers and communities alike, farmers markets are a big win.

“It is a great feeling to see your hard work payoff,” Clark says, “and to see the community come and enjoy the fellowship and support the farmers and vendors.”

Find farmers markets in your area at arkansasgrown.org.

Selling at a farmers market

If you grow fruits or vegetables, raise livestock, or make things, there’s a place for you at most of our Arkansas farmers markets. Craig at the Greenwood Market emphasizes how important it is to participate. “I think it is critical that our communities band together to provide food for one another. If someone grows a garden, regardless of size, we would LOVE to see them at our farmers market!”

The cost is not usually that high.

“Our Emmet Farmers Market has the vendor fill out an application form,” Clark says. “We offer the option of paying an annual fee of $50 that secures the vendors a designated booth at our market, or a daily vendor fee of $10 on a first come basis. We welcome any and all farmers and crafters to be a part of our market.”

Most farmers markets have online presences via a website or a Facebook page, Sending a request for information usually earns you quick results. Each organization will happily share any requirements, offer suggestions on what to bring (tents, tables, and chairs are common).

All farmers markets accept cash, while some individual proprietors will also offer other means of payment.

Arkansas Department of Agriculture announces farmers markets grants

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture (Department) is pleased to partner with Farm Credit for the 10th annual Arkansas Farmers MarketPromotion Program. This program, which is administered by the Department and sponsored by Farm Credit, continues to support local farmers markets by increasing awareness and providing funding assistance to help these markets serve their communities as consumer interest in locally grown and made products continues to increase.

“Farmers markets are essential in connecting local producers to consumers and strengthening rural economies,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “We have over 111 farmers markets across Arkansas and, according to recent data, 1,436 farms sell directly to consumers, generating $8.5 million in sales. These markets are vital to enhancing local food systems, and we’re proud to partner with Farm Credit to help ensure their continued success.”

The program offers funding for a range of promotional activities designed to boost community and regional engagement at farmers markets. Eligible items for funding include:

• Signage: Displaying names, seasons, operating hours, and locations of participating markets
• Local Advertising: Traditional methods like print and radio ads to spread awareness
• Social Media Campaigns: Engaging digital strategies to reach a wider audience

In 2024, the Department awarded over $11,500 in grants to 21 Arkansas farmersmarkets through the partnership with Farm Credit.

Farmers markets interested in participating must be a member of the Arkansas Grown and Arkansas Made branding programs. Applications are now open and will remain available until funds are no longer available.

Find more information and apply here.