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Farmers Markets Are The Cherry On Top Of Utah’s Farming Industry

Photo Courtesy Cache Valley Gardener's Market

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, Utah had 17,400 farms and ranches in 2023. The total farmland in the Bee Hive state comes in at 10.5 million acres, with the state being the second largest tart cherry producer. Some of those prize crops can be found in Utah’s farmers markets, like the three featured below. 

Photo Courtesy Cache Valley Gardener’s Market

Cache Valley Gardener’s Market

Located in Utah’s Bear River Region in the northern part of the state, the Cache Valley Gardeners’ Market (CVGM) is a nonprofit developed to organize citizens and professionals to support and enhance sustainable agriculture in the area. CVGM’s market season is open on Saturdays, May through mid-October, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cache Historic Courthouse (199 North Main St.).

CVGM aims “to educate consumers about sustainable agriculture and healthy foods, provide a source of revenue for local farmers and artisans, and create a vital community gathering place for all ages.”

Small businesses are a priority for the organization, and the market strives to serve as an incubator for local Small Family Farms and artisan food and craft producers. 

The market is managed by the Sustainable Agriculture Association of the Bear River Area and promotes sustainability in Utah’s Cache Valley. To keep these goals, vendors must grow or raise agricultural products, arts and crafts, processed foods, value-added products, and concessions in Utah within a 60-mile radius of the market. 

Customers can use their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Double SNAP benefits at the market. When customers spend $1 from their EBT/SNAP card, they get another $1 to Double Up their money at the market — up to $60.

Photo Courtesy Festival City Farmers Market 

Festival City Farmers Market

Festival City Farmers Market (FCFM) is a weekly weekend activity held at 100 W Center St. for many Cedar City residents and tourists year-round. In the summer, FCFM runs on Saturdays, May to October, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Summer Festivals Wednesdays were held from July to October, from 4 to 8 p.m. The winter market runs on Saturdays from January to April from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The holiday market ran on Saturdays from November to December from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

According to the FCFM website, the operation is the biggest and longest-running farmers market in Cedar City, having anywhere from five to 10 regional farmer vendors on Wednesday and Saturday each week.

The operation ensures that as many people can participate in the market as possible. FCFM is in the Double Up program. The market also participates in the Utah Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. The program offers $50 to qualified seniors to spend at authorized farmers markets in the state.

Photo Courtesy Heber Market on Main

Heber Market on Main

Over the past two decades, summertime has meant the Heber Market on Main (HMM). Visitors and residents come together weekly in downtown Heber City (250 S Main St.) to enjoy local food and beverages, shopping, and concerts. The past summer season took place every Thursday from June 6 to Aug. 22 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Community is at the heart of the operation. The market’s vision is to enhance and strengthen Heber City’s downtown area by growing, promoting, and diversifying “meaningful recreation opportunities.”

Participating farmers must be registered with the Utah Department of Agriculture if they process, prepare, and package the produce at the operation. The market’s website provides a map to show community members where they can find vendors before they arrive, including prepared food like Yoli’s Mexican Kitchen and crafters like Necha Crochet.The market takes the environment and overall wellness seriously. Over the years, attendees could find information about being stewards of the planet with the Heber City Public Works, educating folks on the importance of water conservation. This past season, Rise and Shine Wellness and Mountain Elite Massage and The Sanctuary were on hand for those needing some relaxation.

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