Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Farmer's market at new location

The Nevada County Farmers Market has a new location near the historic depot.

The market had previously been held near the intersection of Highway 67 and Walnut Street. The property is owned by Union Pacific Railroad and UP representatives apparently asked for the market to be moved. According to Prescott-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce Director Mary Godwin, UP cited safety concerns as the reason for the move.

UP media contact Joe Arbona said the issue was drawn to UPs attention by a maintenance crew many, many months ago. He said those crews are the eyes and ears of UPs safety department.

According to Arbona, the crews saw people at the market who were very close to the tracks.

We were very concerned about that, he said.

Arbona said UP officials contacted Prescott city officials and requested that they address the issue.

Were not demanding anything, Arbona said. We just dont want anybody to get hurt.

Godwin said shes been working with area farmers for several months searching for an alternative location. Effective immediately, farmers are invited to offer their produce for sale near the depot or on the lot across the street.

The market has been a Prescott tradition for many years though it was recently revived in an organized format. Godwin said there is no charge for setting up at the market and no need to register. The only requirement is that vendors clean up their area before they leave, removing all trash and produce.

I think its has a lot of potential for growth, said Nevada County Extension Agent Melissa Beck. I also think we have a couple of things we need to address.

Beck said theres little doubt that location is important and said she hopes to seek out some grant money to help establish a more permanent location for the market. Citing other communities and the positive impact of farmers markets, Beck said its any community is fortunate to have an active group.

I think its really great to get your food right from the source, Beck said.

This is an opportunity to promote local farmers, Godwin said. And to give citizens a chance to buy fresh vegetables.

There are no requirements regarding what produce farmers can or must provide. Godwin said the selection on any given day depends entirely on what area farmers have ready for market at that particular time.

We encourage people to support them, Godwin said.

Beck said the buying and selling is a pure form of economics and pointed out that money spent for produce grown by local farmers keeps that money in the community.

Godwin said farmers generally gather on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and usually begin offering produce for sale about 7:30 a.m. Closing time depends on how long produce lasts and how quickly farmers sell out.

The market is a cooperative effort of the chamber and the Nevada County Extension Office. For more information, contact either of those agencies.

For safety concerns regarding area railroads, contact the UP safety line at 888-877-7267.