RICHMOND—When farmers markets come to life in the spring, Virginia-grown goodness ensues.

The state’s farmers markets are bringing back bountiful peak-season produce, handmade goods and a “strong connection between local farmers and their communities,” noted Kim Hutchinson, Virginia Farmers Market Association executive director.

“With over 256 member markets across the state, the VAFMA supports markets in creating economic opportunity, strengthening local food systems and expanding access to local food,” she said. “This year, markets are seeing a surge in interest around innovative prepared foods, pasture-raised meats, native and foraged ingredients, and international food traditions that reflect the many cultures represented in Virginia.”

She added that markets are expecting larger crowds this year as consumers continue their interest in supporting local farms and businesses.

Shoppers at the Ashland Farmers Market can get a taste of the area’s dynamic agricultural landscape. The producer-only market features vendors within 30 miles of the town.

Market manager and vendor Christi Macomber said the modest-sized market packs in tons of variety with farm-fresh eggs; native fresh-cut flowers and potted plants; pasture-raised meats; home-baked goods; local honey; and more. Visitors also can expect to see strawberries, asparagus, cut greens and other seasonal produce at the market in coming weeks.

“One of the ways I keep track of time is seeing what’s on the tables at the farmers market each week,” she said. “Especially when the season really gets going, there’s always going to be something new.”

The Warrenton Farmers Market kicked off its spring season mid-April, bringing Virginia’s vast array of agricultural products, cuisines and cultures to the area’s rural communities.

Boasting over 50 vendors from various regions, the market offers everything from Brazilian-style barbecue to international produce grown by beginning farmers in Fauquier Education Farm’s incubator program.

“We don’t have a lot of produce growers in the area, so the education farm has really helped our farmers market grow and retain produce vendors that are as local as possible,” noted Natalie Ortiz, Warrenton Farmers Market manager.

Farmers markets also play a vital role in addressing food insecurity, with many markets accepting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.

Various Warrenton Farmers Market vendors accept SNAP benefits and Fauquier Farm Bucks, which are gift cards distributed to county residents through the Fauquier FISH program.

“This gives our patrons who might need a little bit of support more options,” Ortiz noted. “They can use their SNAP benefits at the grocery store for things they can’t get at the market.”

According to a recent Colorado State University study, every dollar of nutrition incentives spent on farm direct purchases, such as at a farmers market, can contribute up to $3 to the U.S. economy.

The Warrenton market also supports the local economy through initiatives like offering business support services to vendors and initiating farm-to-table partnerships.

The Ashland market helps draw larger crowds to surrounding businesses on Saturdays.

“And it’s just a nice gathering place for the community,” Macomber noted.

The market’s upbeat atmosphere is elevated by live music on the lawn, picnic tables and conversations with local growers.

Many farmers markets host community events throughout the spring and summer, including pop-up kids’ markets and activities. Visit the Warrenton Farmers Market and Ashland Farmers Market Facebook pages for updates on offerings and coming attractions.

To find a farmers market near you, visit the VAFMA website at vafma.org/virginia-markets.

Media: Contact Hutchinson at 804-405-3288; Macomber at 804-366-6324; or Ortiz at 571-332-4239.