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Farmers Markets, Fairfax County Park Authority

Fairfax County Farmers Markets Seek Volunteers for 2012

Each May to November, twelve sites throughout Fairfax County spring to life with the activity of an open-air market. These bustling marketplaces draw thousands of Fairfax County residents with a feast for the senses. The vibrant colors of freshly picked fruits and vegetables contrast with the fragrant perfume of cut flowers. Across the market floats the aroma of freshly baked breads and pastries while one savors a sample of creamy artisan cheese. The markets provide a way to connect with the producers of our food-a way of life once commonplace for many of our parents and grandparents.

The Markets offer a wide variety of freshly picked fruits, vegetables, and cut flowers. There are also fresh eggs, baked goods, honey and cider to purchase. Milk and cheese products, along with a wide array of meat products, round out the edible delights. If gardening is an interest, many vendors have small plants at the beginning of the season, while other vendors have larger landscape plants for those ambitious projects.

The Farmers Markets are supervised by the Fairfax County Park Authority through the Community Horticulture office based at Green Spring Gardens. The daily operations of the markets are managed by volunteer Market Masters.

Fairfax County Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners offer Plant Clinics at most markets. Citizens can bring plant or insect samples for pest identification or disease diagnosis. Master Gardeners also help citizens by having informational displays on topics such as Container Gardening or EcoSavvy Gardening.

Fairfax County Farmers Markets are local, producer only markets*.  All products sold are produced by vendors within 125 miles of Fairfax County.  Brokers and/or resellers are strictly prohibited. 

Buy local and support sustainable agriculture in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. You will find the freshest and most desirable fruit, vegetables, plants, baked goods, eggs, dairy and meats available.

2011 Schedule and Directions to the Markets are listed below. For other information about the Markets, call 703-642-0128, TTY 703-803-3354.

 

*FCPA defines a producer-only market as a market whose vendors grow, raise or produce the products they sell at market. FCPA recognizes a number of foods at the market require on or off-farm processing. We give priority to vendors whose final processed products are made from the products they raise or where raw ingredients are purchased from local producers. In making a decision about these farmers/growers, producers and their products, Fairfax County Farmers Market staff will use a balance of factors: quality of products, scarcity of products in the markets, diversity of product mix in the markets and traceability of the farmers/growers and producers.