It’s National Farmers Market Week in Eastern Oregon!

Farmers markets are an opportunity for residents of Eastern Oregon to access locally-grown produce and support often organic and sustainable farming practices. But they are often much more than that. Farmer markets, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and similar entities are significant parts of thriving communities through job creation and small business development. The Farmers Market Coalition reports growers selling in local outlets create 13 full-time farm operator jobs in their communities per $1 million in revenue earned. Additionally, farmers markets are business incubators for young farmers. In 2020, producers of farms that sold local food directly were more likely than all U.S. farms to be female and age 34 or younger. 

Eastern Oregon farmers markets are much more than outlets for fresh, organic foods. They are small business cultivation centers, and, like the produce found there, they, along with the farmers and other agribusiness entrepreneurs they showcase, need proper nutrients to grow.

August 7 - 13 is National Farmers Market Week and a perfect opportunity to join the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in promoting and assisting these community treasures. There are many opportunities to support these Farmers Markets and small businesses in Eastern Oregon.

Farmers Markets

La Grande Farmers Market
Adams Ave & Fourth St, La Grande
May 21 - October 15
Tuesdays 3 pm - 9 pm
Saturdays 9 am - 12 pm

North Powder Farmers Market
365 3rd St, North Powder
June 3 - October 28
Fridays 9 am - 12 pm

Baker City Farmers Market
Central Park, Baker City
June 2 - October 13
Thursdays 4 pm - 7 pm

Grant County Farmers Market
South Washington St., Canyon City
June 18 - October 15
Saturdays 9 am - 1 pm

Community Supported Agriculture

CSA’s are an excellent option for those wishing to support local farmers and sustainable practices further or just want local produce deliveries. CSA’s are typically individual or a conglomerate of local farms that usually practice traditional, sustainable family farming methods. Several Eastern Oregon CSA’s offer shares to consumers with a wide range of produce, meats and more. Find more information about them below or at Travel Oregon.

Val’s Veggies

Nella Mae’s Farm

Platz Family Farm

Nurturing growth

Along with National Farmers Market Week, the SBA is promoting its collection of resources and tools it provides to help aspiring business owners bring their dreams to reality. A complete list of these, like the Community Navigator Pilot Program, Women’s Business Centers, Veterans Business Outreach Centers and more, can be accessed at the SBA Resource Partners website. 

Please reach out to the Oregon Trail Economic Development team today for assistance and information on how you can reap more of the fruits of your labor!