Farmers' market looks to grow the right way

It is difficult to judge the levels of success of any first-year venture, for the simple fact that there is no standard by which to compare it. Still, by most accounts, the inaugural year of the Sedalia Area Farmers’ Market must be considered positive.

The market’s board met Thursday evening to discuss the first year, elect board members and share ideas for the upcoming season. Challenges in the market’s first year included cold, wet weather in the spring, which affected growing conditions, and the ongoing downtown streetscape construction, which forced patrons to maneuver through mazes to get to the lot in the 100 block of West Main Street where the market is held. Still, residents looking for fresh produce, tasty baked goods and other locally produced items found their way to the market in substantial numbers.

Speaking of the location: We agree with Mark Albright, president-elect of the farmers’ market board, who Thursday encouraged remaining at the downtown spot.

“I think it’s a little premature to move,” Albright said. “It takes time for people to learn where we’re at and what we do.”

The traffic the market brings could be a boon to other downtown businesses through added foot traffic or, at the very least, increased awareness for market patrons via store signage. With the streetscape work now complete, downtown shops might want to feed off the farmers’ market and provide special offers when the market is open.
Along with more intensified promotion of the market, board members and vendors discussed moving back the hours of operation on Saturday by an hour, which would put the opening bell at 9 a.m. Anyone who came to the market on Saturdays found that the early risers frequently scooped up specialty or limited-quantity items, such as strawberries, within the first hour (or, in some cases, 10 minutes). Moving the start bell will help alleviate that situation; opening at 9 a.m. will increase the number of people having access to those items (although only better weather and growing conditions will increase the quantity).

Plans for expanded product and entertainment offerings also are positive signs; the board and vendors see the need to react to patrons’ needs and wishes. The desire by all affiliated with the Sedalia Area Farmers’ Market to make changes for the better is a positive sign for the venture’s viability and ongoing success.