MIDLOTHIAN—While summer farmers markets boast peak-season produce, many Virginia markets offer local foods and artisan products year-round.

Of the 300-plus farmers markets in Virginia, more than 50 stay open throughout the winter, with some markets adjusting their schedules from summer, moving indoors or adding online sales, according to the Virginia Farmers Market Association.

“Of course you have a little less variety of produce, but we still have a great offering during these colder months,” remarked Darrius Slaughter, VAFMA vice president and manager of the Lynchburg Community Market—one of the nation’s oldest continuously running farmers markets.

Founded in 1783, the market serves as a gathering place for the community, with indoor shops, restaurants and a crafters’ gallery open to shoppers throughout the week. During the winter, the Saturday farmers market attracts up to 1,900 visitors a day with over 60 indoor and outdoor vendor spots.

Many winter markets offer artisan meats, cheese, eggs, honey and freshly baked breads, as well as hardy greens, winter squashes, apples, sweet potatoes and other root vegetables.

Shoppers also can find produce that’s grown out of season, with many farmers using hydroponic and aquaponic systems, high tunnels, hoop houses and other season-extending techniques.

Visitors to the year-round Abingdon Farmers Market can find a wide variety of lettuce grown in aquaponic and hydroponic systems in the off-season. During the colder months, the covered market opens for two hours on Saturdays, features around 30 vendors and draws an average 800 visitors each weekend. The market also offers a preordering option and accepts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.

In 2021, over $100 million in federal nutrition benefits were redeemed at farmers markets and direct market sales nationally, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“By being able to stay open throughout the year, there’s never a time when farmers aren’t able to provide for their community,” Slaughter added. He noted an increase in farmers market sales during the pandemic, when supply chain issues resulted in empty grocery store shelves—highlighting the “importance of being able to depend on your local producers and community.”

Additionally, year-round farmers markets offer consumers the chance to “get to know your farmers, crafters and bakers and support your neighbors,” said Abingdon Farmers Market manager David McLeish.

Locally owned retailers like farmers markets return more than three times as much of their sales to the local economy, and growers selling locally create 13 full-time jobs per $1 million in revenue earned, according to data from USDA’s Economic Research Service and Colorado State University.

The Abingdon Farmers Market, Lynchburg Community Market and others across Virginia host special events throughout the year in support of local businesses, including upcoming Valentine’s Day specials.

To find a farmers market near you, visit virginiagrown.com or use the Virginia Farmers Market Trail map at vafma.org/find-market/.

Media: Contact Slaughter at 434-455-4486 or McLeish at 276-698-1434.