Published: August 08, 2008 09:07 pm      

Farmer's Market booming and blooming

By KANDACE MCCOY

kandace.mccoy@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — Vendors are saying business is booming as customers inspected produce and other goods Friday morning in the parking lot at the Times Square Mall, located adjacent to Kentucky Fried Chicken.

And though some vendors report consumers are still a bit shy about purchasing produce from supermarkets due to past tomato recalls, freshness and whether products are locally grown seem to be their main concern.

Norman Speidel of Mt. Vernon has been a vendor at the market for the past 12 years, and though he says his business has remained the same, he agrees the “overall business at the market is good.”

He added, though, he has seen an increase usage of farmer’s market vouchers — $21 worth of coupons provided to senior citizens who meet guideline requirements so they may buy fresh produce. “I think they’re a little more wary [of supermarkets,” Speidel said of customers. “But I have many who ask if [my produce] is locally grown.”

Matt Sinclair of Richview said he is “definitely seeing more business” at the market. Sinclair, along with Mike Kell and Sandra Shaw, offer a variety of fruit vegetables, including tomatoes, new potatoes and watermelon. “Basically, all the normal home grown items,” Sinclair explained.

Shaw said it isn’t unusual for customers to ask whether items are locally grown, “because they’re leery of supermarket produce due to recalls and salmonella cases.”

Kell added the spring weather has also affected the number of customers to the market. “I think home gardens are weaker because of the wet weather [in the spring], so people come up here to get what they need.”

Tiffany Heifner of Mt. Vernon said she has been attending the market for the past few years. “Basically you can’t get this stuff at Wal-Mart,” she said of her purchases, which included new potatoes. “It’s just not the same.”

But many who attend the market also come for educational advice.

“I think they come out because the produce is fresh and they can talk to farmers,” speculated organic farmer, Terry Herrell of Centralia. “For the most part, they like to share information.” Herrell says many customers will address concerns within their own gardens and seek out advice. However, he does believe there is a bigger demand for locally grown fruits and vegetables.

“There’s a big push for local [food],” he said. “And I’ve seen local markets advertise locally grown produce.”

The Farmers’ Market is held on Tuesday and Friday during the week and hold business hours between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.