Farmers Markets as a business driver

Farmers markets are a favorite venue for folks seeking fresh, locally grown produce. But, in addition to being aisles of vendors shopping for their fruits and vegetables, farmers markets are big business. In 2020, the USDA reported that farmers markets and Community Supported Agriculture had $739 million in direct-to-consumer sales.

Farmers markets are critical in areas like Mason County for local job creation and cultivating strong, vibrant communities. Growers selling at local outlets create thirteen full-time farm operator jobs per $1 million in revenue earned, while those who do not sell locally create only three. The National Young Farmers Coalition reports that there are 3.5 times as many U.S. farmers over 65 as those under 35. Farmers markets offer a future for farmers, providing rare low-barrier entry points for new farmers, ranchers and food entrepreneurs to start small and test new products. Many opportunities exist to support these farmers markets and small businesses in Mason County.

Mason County area residents are fortunate to have an agriculture community committed to providing fresh, healthy produce and meats. The list of markets below is an excellent opportunity to access these products.

The Shelton Farmers Market is a forum for small local growers and others to make fresh, local and seasonal produce and handicrafts available to the community and to support farming efforts in Mason County.

The Belfair Saturday Market is the place to find art, sundries, produce and more.

22900 WA-3, Belfair

Saturdays thru September, 10 am - 4 pm

The Harstine Island Farmers Market is held year-round, outdoors from May through the fall as weather allows, before moving indoors.

3371 E Harstine Island Rd N, Shelton Saturdays, 10 am – 12 pm

There are plentiful options for consumers to access fresh produce and meats directly from Mason County farms, many of whom attend the farmers markets.

Skokomish Valley Farm is 720 acres owned by several families who provide fresh vegetables and eggs for the local community while supporting a truly local and sustainable food system.

Shelton’s Hungry Hollow Farm is a convenient, local and pasture-based alternative to factory farms. The owners offer chicken, eggs, pork, beef and various vegetables for home delivery or farm pickup.

The Thistle and Bristle LLC offers ethically raised hogs, chickens and eggs from its farm in Shelton.

Like the produce they grow and sell, farmers markets, farmers and other agribusiness entrepreneurs need proper nutrients to grow.

Along with National Farmers Market Week, the SBA is promoting its collection of resources and tools it provides to help aspiring business owners bring their dreams to reality.

A complete list of these, like the Community Navigator Pilot Program, Women’s Business Centers, Veterans Business Outreach Centers and more, can be accessed at the SBA Resource Partners website or by contacting the Economic Development Council of Mason County. Contact their team, 360-426-2276, to learn more about local and statewide assistance programs and networking opportunities that are free or low-cost to local farmers.