Farmers' markets can serve meals under new state law

By CHRIS ALDRIDGE, Kentucky Agricultural News

A new state law allows farmers’ markets in Kentucky to receive temporary food service permits, allowing ready-to-eat meals made from their farm products to be served two days a week over a six-month period.

The legislation, which was supported by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, particularly will benefit urban markets like those in Louisville and Lexington, according to KDA farmers’ market coordinator Janet Eaton

“It’s going to be really strong in those markets that choose to do it,” Eaton said. “A farmers’ market in Louisville is going to serve omelets for folks who like to come out and have a little breakfast. Lexington is serving a variety of foods.”

The number of farmers’ markets in Kentucky has increased by nearly a third during the past four years, from 85 at the end of 2003 to 112 that have opened or are expected to soon, including seven new markets this year.

It’s been a tough spring for Kentucky’s fruit and vegetable growers. A spring of unseasonably warm weather in late March caused fruit trees across the state to bud early, particularly in southern and western Kentucky. Then a week of freezing temperatures in early April zapped the tender blossoms. Now farmers are fighting dry conditions usually not seen in these parts until August.

“Between the freeze and the drought, people should expect to see higher prices,” Eaton said. “Farmers are having to put out a lot of water right now, and they lost a lot of plants because of the cold.”

Fruit grower Larry Ayres owns Ayres Family Orchard near Owenton, manages the farmers’ market in Owen County and sells at markets in Frankfort, Dry Ridge, and Boone and Anderson counties. Ayres says the market forces of supply and demand will cause him to raise his fruit prices “a little bit.” But, he added, “I don’t want to gouge people.”

Ayres expects to harvest 30 to 40 percent of his apples but predicts that only 20 to 30 percent of his blackberry crop will be harvestable. The freeze killed all of his peaches and plums.

Ayres said farmers’ market staples like sweet corn and green beans were not affected by the freeze. Eaton has visited several farmers’ markets and added, “We’re starting to see some small squash and tomatoes.”

A complete list of registered farmers’ markets in Kentucky at www.kyagr.com. Access the “Programs” icon at the top of the page, select “Farmers’ Markets” from the menu, then click on “2007 Farmers' Market Directory.”