Submitted by the San Juan Island Farmers Market

The San Juan Island Farmers Market is now open to applications from new and returning Farm, Food, Art and Craft vendors and Community Organizations.

The market is no mere business association, year after year it continues to be a vibrant part of this community and an important representation of local agriculture and business.

When the market started in 1986 (or 1987, reports differ) Waldron-based farmer Joel Thorson was one of the early vendors on the scene. Although the market was small, Thorson said the public was always eager to support the venture. “It [The market] was well received from the beginning, it was fairly small but it grew steadily and was always popular.” The market did indeed grow and evolve, migrating through several locations in Friday Harbor before settling at the Court House parking lot for several years.

The permanent move to the Brickworks Plaza in 2013 marked the high point in the market’s identity as a going concern in Friday Harbor. Thorson identifies the market as particularly valuable to new and upcoming farmers. It’s a chance to “get their feet wet” managing the dynamics of growing produce to sell.

Since the market has a very loyal following in the community, Thorson says you can trust people to buy whatever you are able to grow. Because there are no orders to fill, if you have apples one week and carrots the next, the market and the community will embrace that. The important thing is that small scale, organic agriculture is supported and celebrated.

“It’s a great opportunity,” says Thorson. You don’t even have to have a farm to be a farm vendor.

Organizations like the San Juan Island Market Garden Cooperative and the San Juan Island Grange allow people with enough produce to spare to share in a cooperative booth space. This, too, is a great model for getting more  people growing and selling produce without the pressures of large scale production.

Additionally, the market would love to hear from you if you are a food vendor with an eye to local produce. If you’re committed to making and selling food that emphasizes local farm products, the market might be the place for you.

The market is a vibrant business opportunity and professional community, businesses like The Market Chef, Café Demeter, Pablitos, San Juan Pasta and others have their roots in the bustling, Saturday morning market scene. Be part of something special this season.

The open application period will run until March 10. For an application form for farming, food or arts and craft contact Market Manager Jane Fox at manager@sjifarmersmarket.com. For info about joining the Grange, contact membership director Jana Meredith, at janafh@yahoo.com. For info about joining the Market Garden Coop, contact Sandra May at sandra.may@tigercello.com