Celebrating Community and Agriculture: National Farmers Markets Week in Skagit County

Late summer brings a bounty of fresh produce, flowers, and value-added products to farmers' markets around Skagit County. It’s also the time of year when National Farmers Market Week is observed, during the second week of August. 

There’s good reason to celebrate farmers' markets for their vital role in communities nationwide. In Skagit County, Washington, agriculture is woven into the fabric of the local communities and reflects the county's commitment to sustainability and economic resilience. Local farmers, artisans, and community members come together weekly in locations around the county to support and grow the local economy.

A Week of Celebration in Sedro-Woolley

The Sedro-Woolley Farmers Market, under the management of Jeremy Kindlund, played a significant role in this year's National Farmers Market Week. The market hosted various events and activities highlighting Skagit Valley's rich agricultural heritage.

"We celebrated National Farmers Market Week with a cooking demo from United General District 304," Kindlund shared. "They made spring rolls from vegetables and herbs from the market and sampled them with a delicious sunflower butter sauce. 

“Music from Tom Mullin was a highlight! His lineup of songs ranges from classic to contemporary, with tons of favorites. The market had all our amazing vendors and a new plant vendor with creative Kokedama-style pots."

These events provided entertainment and showcased the quality and diversity of locally produced goods, reinforcing the importance of supporting local farmers and businesses.

Strengthening Farmers Markets Through Community Support

The Skagit Valley Farmers Market Coalition  recently received a grant from Puget Sound Energy Foundation, which promises to significantly impact the operations and outreach of farmers markets in the region. Coalition members include the Anacortes Farmers Market, Bow Farmers Market, Concrete Saturday Market, Mount Vernon Farmers Market, and Sedro-Woolley Farmers Market.

Kindlund, also the Director of Operations at the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the positive effects of this support. "The Skagit Valley Farmers Market Coalition has secured funding to provide unlimited match to our EBT customers," he explained. "We are doubling the purchasing power of families to get access to nutritious food. 

“This has the added benefit of putting more money in the pockets of our farmers. The Skagit Valley Farmers Market Coalition works to celebrate and grow our unique Skagit culture around food and community by strengthening our resilient farmers markets."

This initiative addresses food insecurity and bolsters the local economy by ensuring more dollars are spent within the community, benefiting consumers and producers.

The Role of Farmers Markets in Skagit County's Economic and Social Fabric

Farmers markets in Skagit County are more than just a place to buy fresh produce; they are a cornerstone of the community. According to Kindlund, “Farmers markets serve many purposes in our communities. They are a gathering place for friends and neighbors to connect in a friendly and safe environment around locally produced goods. We offer non-profit information booths, music, kids activities, and resources for families to build a strong community.”

Moreover, farmers' markets act as business incubators and serve as a way for established businesses to build relationships and receive immediate product feedback.

Kindlund noted, “Farmers markets serve as a business incubator for entrepreneurs looking to start a business. They also allow established businesses to market their products directly to the consumer..”

Looking Ahead: The Lasting Impact of Farmers Markets

As Skagit County reflects on National Farmers Market Week, it's clear that the benefits of farmers markets extend far beyond the week itself. These markets are vital to the community, fostering connections, supporting local businesses, and ensuring access to nutritious food. With continued support from local entities like the Skagit Valley Farmers Market Coalition and the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce, the future of farmers markets in Skagit County looks bright.

In the words of Jeremy Kindlund, "We are lucky to live in the agriculturally rich Skagit Valley, and we are proud to put that on display every week." This pride in local agriculture and community makes farmers' markets an enduring and essential part of life in Skagit County.