A new farmers market is nearing completion in Buchanan County’s Prater District, creating a place where residents will be able to sell produce, honey, fresh eggs and other locally made products at no charge.
The market is located behind the large Southern Gap sign at the entrance to Southern Gap Road. The 20-by-30-foot building includes a 10-foot porch and was constructed with funding from an Agricultural and Forestry Industries Development grant Buchanan County received through the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Jeanne Presley, manager and education specialist for the Big Sandy Soil and Water Conservation District, said crews are still completing details at the site before the market officially opens.
“We are still completing some details but hope to open in the near future,” Presley said.
Those interested in becoming vendors should contact the Big Sandy Soil and Water Conservation District. Vendors will not be charged to sell their produce or other products at the market.
“If you wish to sell at the farmers market, please contact Big Sandy Soil and Water Conservation District. It will be free to sell your produce or products. We will have some tables and chairs available for vendors to rent,” Presley said.
Presley said the market will give local growers a dedicated place to connect with customers and other community members.
“The Farmer’s Market will provide a place for people to trade and sell garden vegetables, honey, fresh eggs, etc. We are excited to get this going for the County. There will be no charge to set up at the Farmer’s Market. A big thank you goes out to Big Sandy Soil and Water Conservation for providing this opportunity for the community of Buchanan County,” Presley said.
Prater District Supervisor David Rose worked with Big Sandy Soil and Water Conservation District and the Buchanan County Board of Supervisors to make the project possible in his district.
“Big Sandy was so grateful to David Rose and the Buchanan County Board of Supervisors for working with us to make this project come to pass,” Presley said.
Big Sandy Soil and Water Conservation District board member Bobby Looney said the market will be available for everyone in Buchanan County to use and represents an important first step toward meeting the county’s agricultural and conservation needs.
“Our county’s new farmers market for Buchanan County everybody is welcome to use it,” Looney said. “Just the beginning of our county conservation and agriculture needs.”
Additional information about the market’s opening and vendor opportunities will be announced as the remaining work is completed.
