The 2017 season of weekly farmers’ markets in uptown begins Saturday, June 3rd! Lassen Land & Trails Trust and the Historic Uptown Susanville Association will again be bringing the best in local produce, eggs, cottage foods and amazing artwork and crafts.
The Farmers’ Market will once again be located in Pancera Plaza on Gay Street each Saturday throughout the summer from 8:00a.m. to 12 noon.
This year’s market season will run until October 7th. The final market of the year will coincide with the annual Rails to Trails Festival and the Bizz Johnson Trail Marathon.
Farmers’ Market Manager Laura Medvin also reminded residents that Pancera Plaza is closed to vehicles every Friday night at midnight throughout the season.
For more information, or any questions about the Farmers’ Market, please contact Medvin at [email protected] or call 530-257-3252. Information can also be found on the LL&TT website or Facebook page.
Farmers’ Market is seeking local vendors for the 2017 season!
According to Medvin the market is looking for local products in produce, eggs, artisan and cottage food preparers.
PRODUCE:A local producer is anyone who grows their own vegetables and fruits at their farm or home. This means if you have home grown fruits and/or vegetables in enough volume to sell, you are a producer. You must get certified with your local Agriculture Commissioner’s Office to participate.
EGGS: A poultry farmer is anyone who cares for and has free range laying hens. Free range eggs are in high demand; if you are a poultry farmer please consider being a vendor at the 2017 Farmers’ Market! Registration with the state of California is required to sell eggs. Your local Agriculture Commissioner’s Office can assist you in the process.
COTTAGE FOODS: If you have a current Cottage Food Operator registration or permit from Lassen County Environmental Health, then yes the Farmer’s Market invites you to be a vendor. This can be home made products such as approved baked goods or jams and jellies.
ARTISANS: If you are a crafter of any type, woodworking, glass blowing, upcycled art, photography, pottery, crochet, needlepoint, jeweler, painting, leather work, etc., yes you are included as part of the Farmers’ Market vendors!
The Uptown Farmers’ Market is Certified. What Does That Mean Exactly?
According to Medvin, being a Certified Farmers Market means that you can be assured that the produce you purchase from a vendor at the LL&TT and HUSA Certified Farmers’ Market has been grown by the Farmer at their own certified farm/ranch. This certification is conducted by the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office of the County where the product was grown. The vendor (farmer) is selling product that they grew themselves.
“Why is this important to the consumer?” Medvin explains. “During our local growing season the consumer will have the unique opportunity to purchase quality, fresh and local produce being grown in their own community! You get to buy directly from the farmers who planned, planted, cultivated, irrigated and harvested the product themselves. There is no product storage or shipping, you the consumer will find produce freshly from harvested a day or two before you purchase it. You become a part of supporting local business and farmers.”
It is important to local farmers as well. The farmer is personally invested in doing what they love. A Certified Farmers’ Market gives them a place to share their product and reach both the returning customers and educate new consumers about the importance of farm fresh produce while supporting local businesses.
Farmers will post their certification at their booth, be sure to look for it. This is their way of guaranteeing you a fresh, locally grown product.
“The LL&TT and HUSA effort to bring a Certified Farmers’ Market to Susanville every year involves extensive planning and careful consideration,” explains Medvin. “Not only do the vendors obtain a certification themselves, but the Farmers’ Market also obtains an authorization from the Lassen County Agriculture Commissioners Office to operate as a CFM. The LL&TT and HUSA ensure that you enjoy a Farmers’ Market with the highest standards in health, cleanliness and good business practices.”
