Catawba Valley Farmers Market to get visit from VA Sec’y of Ag Ring Aug. 9

Catawba Valley Farmers Market (CVFM) joins markets across the country in celebrating National Farmers Market Week from August 5-11.  CVFM will offer drawings for CVFM gift certificates, free hot dogs and music by Jim Robinson on his hammered dulcimer, on Thursday, August 9.  Hot dogs will be available between 4:00 and 6:30 p.m.

A special guest who will help us celebrate National Farmers Market Week is Bettina Ring, the Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry.  As Secretary, she oversees and provides policy guidance to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF), and the Virginia Racing Commission (VRC).  Virginia’s many farmers markets are regulated by the VDACS.  Secretary Ring does not plan a formal visit to the CVFM but plans to “meet and greet” vendors and customers.  She is a native of Craig County and is the daughter of Betty Ring, who still resides in the county, and the late Keith Ring.

Other special guests include Martha Hooker, Roanoke County Board of Supervisors Chair, & Jennifer Fintel, Economic Development Specialist, Roanoke County Department of Economic Development.

As demand for local food continues to grow, so too have the opportunities for America’s farmers to market fresh food directly to the consumer.  According to statistics recently released by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), farmers markets and farm stands account for roughly $2 billion of the $3 billion that Americans spend annually on farm-direct products.  This revenue, in turn, supports the livelihoods of more than 165,000 mostly small and mid-sized farms and ranches.

The Catawba Valley Farmers Market began in 2010, and currently hosts 12 farmers and craftsmen selling a wide variety of products, including produce, fruits, grass-fed beef, pork products, fresh eggs, baked goods, native flowers and shrubs, garden plants, mums, as well as handmade arts and crafts.  In the 2017 season, CVFM generated more than $41,000 for these local producers, a valuable economic boost for the region.

Ann Harrell, Manager of the CVFM, says “Selling their products at CVFM has created extra income not only for full-time farmers/growers and craftsmen, but also for stay-at-home moms, retirees on fixed incomes, hobbyists and young beginning farmers.  The farmers market also provides a connection between the consumers and those who grow the produce and the meat products, and the bakers.  Our customers have an opportunity to learn about the farming practices, where the bakers obtain their ingredients, how to cook the various vegetables – questions not usually answered in grocery stores.”

“Farmers markets play a vital role not just in generating real income for farmers, but in forming a healthy, prosperous food system,” says Jen Cheek, Executive Director of the Farmers Market Coalition.  “By providing the opportunity for farmers to connect directly with consumers, markets serve as education centers.  Vendors are teaching customers about agriculture and sharing recipes and new foods with their neighbors.  Markets are making people and communities stronger and healthier.”

The Catawba Valley Farmers Market is a collaborative project of the VA Tech Catawba Sustainability Center, the County of Roanoke, Catawba Valley Ruritan Club, and the Catawba community.  It is the mission of the CVFM to foster community fellowship while providing the Catawba community and nearby areas with fresh, locally produced food and traditional handicrafts. CVFM is located at the Catawba Community Center, 4965 Catawba Creek Road (Route 779), Catawba, VA 24070.  The Market is open each Thursday from 3:30 to 7:00 p.m., from mid-May to mid-October,  rain or shine.  The location is a Roanoke County park, with playground, picnic shelter, green space, basketball court, and restrooms and is handicap-accessible.

The Market website (catawbafarmersmarket.com) gives more information and includes the weekly newsletter, with updates on available products, musical entertainment and other special events.  Ann G. Harrell, Market Manager, may be contacted via email at catawbafarmersmarket@outlook.com.

Submitted by Ann Harrell; Photo courtesy of Ann Harrell