While The Market at Ag Heritage Park has been around for 10 years, it is only open from late spring to early fall, just as most students are beginning or ending their semesters of study.
The market’s seasonal selling period has some of its participating farmers curious about the possibility of maintaining a year-long market, with the university's assistance.
George Rogers, owner of Pecan Point Farm, highlighted the opportunities that the market would provide for Auburn students to “meet with producers of local food,” gain the “lifetime experience of buying local produce” and even to participate in the market as producers themselves.
Another vendor who has frequented the farmer’s market since its establishment, is Boozer Farms. Taylor Hatchet, from Boozer Farms, said he would be happy if the market was year-round.
“Extending the market is a wonderful thing,” Hatchet said.
Additionally, Gene Thornton of Sneaky Crow Farm said Sneaky Crow Farm grows crops year-round and has experienced a higher demand for local produce.
“An extended period of time would be something we can benefit from," Thornton said.
If the Auburn University’s farmer’s market was extended, farmers would have to opportunity to sell food they are already producing during those months.
Pecan Point already produces pecans in the fall, and Rogers said he thinks other farmers produce goods year-round.
“I can’t help but think there are other farmers like us,” Rogers said.
Hatchet said the potential to sell Brussels sprouts, carrots and greens would open with an extended market.
Thornton said a year-round market would allow for the sale of kale, collards, spinach, sweet potatoes, onions and winter squash.
Even when the seasons are in a transition period and there is a shortage in available crops for sale, there is still potential for benefit, Rogers said.
“Farmers can be more creative with their products and sell value-added products,” Rogers said.
Rogers said jams, pickles, dried fruit and pies are examples of value-added products.
There are several obstacles perceived by some vendors, for both themselves and the university, which must be overcome to allow for the transition from a seasonal market to a year-round market. Hatchet said some challenges are logistical.
“Competition with football season [for facilities and parking],” Hatchet said.
Rogers, said the university would need to provide a designated, shady and accessible venue for it to be possible to maintain a year-long market.
From the farmer’s perspective, Hatchet said there are also some details to work out.
“Knowing in time, so we can have seeds and planting dates,” Hatchet said.
Rogers, Thornton and Hatchet all said there is a growing popular interest in locally grown produce.
While Rogers said that if there was the opportunity to sell in the winter, “farmers would plant more.”
“I don’t know if we are ready yet,” Rogers said.
Rogers said the establishment of a year-long market is a “chicken and egg” dilemma. He identified both the needs for an increased student awareness of the market for local produce, and for the university to facilitate its growth, but questioned which need must be met first.
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