Meet the folks behind the “Barns” Melson said they usually have 22 to 30 vendors with an average of 400 people coming through the market every week. The vendors are able to set up in the 19 original horse stalls inside the barn and in the 16 tents outside. Some of the most popular food offerings are pasture-raised eggs, vegetables, fruits, cheeses and baked goods. “There's a little bit of everything,” she said. “This year, we're also having someone putting together terrariums and offering blown glass.” Free family yoga is also new this season. Since all of the food is locally or regionally grown, consumers are able to talk directly to the person that has produced it to find out what ingredients are in their products or if the vendor is certified humane. The unique, handmade crafts and other items on display are not things you would find in a big box store. Nothing is machine made. “All farmers markets are a fellowship, or federation, of like-minded people,” said Currier. “Our intention is to connect people, in a direct and meaningful way, to other people who grow food or directly make items that are of use and interest. And there’s no middleman - it's between the consumer and the maker – so it’s more economical.” Added Melson, “Also, you know that your money is going directly to the person who made it and they're then turning around and spending it with other vendors or right in their communities.” Currier loves seeing other markets in nearby communities like Haymarket thrive. “Haymarket is working hard to have a livable community spirit,” she said. “It has a farmers’ market that is well attended and is a gathering place for its community.” Plus, what happens at Archwood and other farmers’ markets, she explained, is much more than a transaction it's a relationship. Currier, who took over stewardship of Kinloch, her family’s farm, in 1980, has deep roots in the area, and understands the importance of relationships. The farm was founded in 1823 and is a major producer in the area. Its Kinloch Farm Store also offers merchandise that the community desires. “The Farm Store provides a platform for other vendors and farmers too, but does so within the confines of our four walls on the Kinloch Farm property,” she said. Bobby Doane, its manager and sales director, explained, “The farm store is a central place for Kinloch to sell in a direct market. Located right off Interstate 66, it’s the gateway to the agricultural community in Fauquier County.” The Farm Store is open year-round, Thursdays through Sundays, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. “We have 100% grass fed and finished beef and we believe in utilizing every part of the animal,” he said. “The first thing you smell when you walk in is our tallow candles burning.”
M AY 2 0 2 4
Andrea Currier Became the steward of Kinloch Farm in 1980, which her family took over in 1960 Implemented many conservation programs and practices President of The Plains Redevelopment Corp., she has supported and provided oversight of The Archwood Green Barns Farmers Market for the past 26 years Committed to building and promoting strong communities
Bobby Doane Farm store manager and sales director for Kinloch Farm Has worked for Kinloch Farm since May 2022, just before the Farm Store opened
Elizabeth Melson Wife, mom and yoga instructor Former candidate for state Senate; follows Virginia politics like others might follow sports Seventh season managing Archwood Green Barns Farmers’ Market Has her own business, Farm-to-Table Solutions Farm director at Off the Grid Cafe in Sperryville, where she grows vegetables and flowers for the restaurant and keeps chickens for eggs
Resides in Marshall, and enjoys cooking, gardening, and participating in community events
Haymarket / Gainesville Lifestyle 33