Farmers' Market makes big plans
There are no tastier fruits and vegetables than those just gathered from the vine and field. That's why organizers of the Vernon County Farmers' Market are optimistic about the bi-weekly exposition's annual revival May 12 in Nevada.
They say the market has run well below its potential with no more than 12 to 14 vendors in recent years and they hope to make it competitive with the highly successful expo in Webb City, north of Joplin.
A vendors' meeting has been called for 10 a.m. April 26 at Backroads Steakhouse three-fourths of a mile south of Wal-Mart on Barrett Street, where T.J. James, steakhouse co-owner and farmers' market manager, will answer questions and take sign-ups for $5 a day or $50 for the season.
"We're trying to make it better," said James, who may be reached at (417) 667-4455. "Everybody says Webb City has the best, so we're doing our best to make it even better than that.
"The more people we can get on the Square, the better it is for us. It reminds everyone that we have to spend our money here to help our town."
Working in the aftermath of last year's national listeria poisoning outbreak in cantaloupes from a farm in Colorado, James is collaborating with Vernon-Bates County Health Inspector Steve Durnell to ensure all business is conducted according to official guidelines.
However, Durnell said there are no restrictions on the sale of raw produce and agricultural products to "end users" who just take them home. "Until the vendors start canning or selling refrigerated foods, we don't get involved," Durnell said Friday.
"I will probably come by to see what's going on and make sure things are not being sold that we're not aware of. Jams, jellies, sorghum and honey are exempt from inspection when sold to end users. Cookies and bread are exempt if they don't require refrigeration. They just need a placard saying they are not under inspection."
Starting with Saturday sales May 12 and Wednesday sessions June 6, visitors will choose peaches, raspberries, blueberries, mulberries, sweet corn, several varieties of tomatoes, pickling cucumbers, bell peppers, zucchini, okra, butternut and acorn squash, eggplants, pies and breads.
"We haven't been seeing many apples, onions or potatoes, but it sure would be nice to get them," James said. "We won't allow homemade trinkets. We'll have some garage sale items, but we don't allow junk."
The market will be closed June 9 for Bushwhacker Days, and in a celebratory fashion, its twice-weekly operation will open June 13. "We'll have clowns and face painting," James said.
"I grow 24 varieties of vegetables on an acre. I'm an all-natural grower with no chemicals or pesticides."
Markets will run from 4:45 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and 8 to 11 a.m. Saturdays through Oct. 31 with produce grown in a 100-mile radius of Vernon, Bates, Barton and Cedar counties in Missouri and Bourbon County, Kan.
Items will include fresh fruits, vegetables, cut and dried flowers, honey, meats and eggs produced by the vendor. Baked goods must be sold by those involved in the baking and value-added products will be proffered at the manager's discretion.
"Hand-crafted items must be approved prior to acceptance," James said. "Home-based businesses are encouraged to display and sell their products unless the products are in conflict with local retail establishments. Vehicles containing produce are to be backed into parking spaces in the lot on the north side of the courthouse. Vendors' tents or tables may be set up on the lawn."
James said each vendor is responsible for his or her own pricing, although prices "should be set in keeping with customers' satisfaction and in consideration of other vendors."
Durnell said he "would love to see them have a big farmers market in Nevada.
"Making it legal to sell to end users is a relatively new rule, the legislature's helping out the little guy," he said. "I plant a garden, but half the time I end up going to a place like this to get my produce.
"I don't anticipate any problems. I don't go looking to prevent anybody from selling what they grow and making a living."