Easthampton gets first winter farmers’ market

The Daily Hampshire Gazette
December 6, 2012
Rebecca Everett

After the Easthampton Farmers Market had a successful first season selling local products in the Municipal Building parking lot, its organizers opted to bring the operation indoors to create the city’s first winter farmers market.

The city’s Agricultural Commission puts on the market Fridays from 2 to 6 p.m. in the Eastworks building.

Sage Franetovich, co-manager of the market, said the commission saw “a need in Easthampton” for a place to get local produce and other products throughout the winter.

“We also wanted some continuity from the summer market, both for our customers and our vendors,” she said. Many of the vendors at the winter market are the same and include Intervale Farm and Mycoterra Farm in Westhampton, Whitehouse Farm in Southampton, Chicoine Family Farm in Easthampton, Twin Oaks Farm in Hadley, Twin Maples Farm in Hatfield and Frosted Swirl Cupcakes of Westfield.

In addition to local produce such as greens and root vegetables, customers at the market can find garlic, mushrooms, maple products, eggs, meat and baked goods, Franetovich said.

The market started on Nov. 16. “People who come to the market seem very pleased with what we have, but we could definitely use more people,” she said.

Franetovich said Valley residents are becoming more aware that they can get local produce, even in the winter months. “I think people are starting to recognize it and so these winter farmers markets are becoming more popular,” she said.

She said the city’s summer farmers market developed a “good following” in the community this summer. “We hope it will be even bigger next year,” she said.

The market takes place in the Eastworks Building, near the Apollo Grill, at 116 Pleasant St.