Farmers are essential to the character of the Berkshires. It’s a treat to know them, and an even greater treat to have access to their wonderful farm products. As a new growing season approaches we take time to salute the local farmers and food producers who participated in Berkshire Grown’s Winter Farmers Markets throughout the winter months, making their food and product accessible to the community. Berkshire Grown will host two more markets, last of the eight Berkshire Grown Winter Farmers Markets in the 2020/21 season, on March 27 and April 10 at Eisner Camp, 53 Brookside Road in Great Barrington. Both markets are open from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The markets will feature an abundance of locally grown and produced foods from the Berkshires. The offerings of local producers range from winter squash and root crops, fresh greens, to apples, pasture-raised meats, handcrafted Jacuterie and unique cheeses, honey and beeswax products, maple syrup, as well as baked goods, jams, freshly prepared appetizers and sides, artisan seasonings, and ferment products. Admission to the Farmers Markets is free and SNAP/EBT is accepted at all markets.
“We are thrilled to offer these indoor markets to support our Berkshire farmers,” says Berkshire Grown Executive Director Margaret Moulton. “Even the brief exchanges between farmers and shoppers at the socially-distant markets remind us how lucky we are to know the farmers who grow our food. The eight indoor Berkshire Grown Winter Farmers Markets give community members the opportunity to support our farmers and local food producers, and to thank them for their hard work year-round.”
While no food or drink can be consumed in the market area, Off the Shelf and North Plain Farm will be selling egg sandwiches and grilled sausages to take home and enjoy.
The number of visitors allowed in the market will be limited according to state and local Board of Health regulations. Everyone entering the market area will be required to wear a mask, and shoppers are encouraged to plan ahead by making a shopping list and sending only one or two household members into the market.
To help visitors shop the market quickly, shoppers can pre-order in advance and pick up from vendors during the market. Pre-order details are available on the Berkshire Grown website. Shoppers may schedule their visit in advance through the Berkshire Grown website, allowing visitor entrance to the market to move more quickly.
Generous sponsors help make the Winter Farmers Market possible: Massachusetts Department of Agriculture, the Zilkha Center for Environmental Initiatives at Williams College, Berkshire Bank, and Jane Iredale Skincare Makeup. The Berkshire Food Co-op, Herrington’s, and Mountain One support the Market Match program for SNAP dollars at the Berkshire Grown Holiday and Winter Farmers Markets. Additional support comes from The Bookloft, Greylock WORKS, Guido’s Fresh Marketplace, Lee Bank, The Prairie Whale, Rolling Rock Salt, Williamstown Chamber of Commerce, and Williams College Center for Environmental Studies.
Berkshire Grown supports and promotes local agriculture as a vital part of the Berkshire community, economy, and landscape; its mission is to “Keep Farmers Farming!” Through farmer workshops, podcasts, food access networks, advocacy, and education highlighting locally grown and produced food, Berkshire Grown helps to create a thriving local food economy. For more information, go to berkshiregrown.org or call 413-528-0041.
We at The Berkshire Edge are happy to support Berkshire Grown, and to make the digital version of their annual guide available to you here. As Executive Director Margaret Moulton observes, “Now more than ever, connections to local food and farms hold our community together. Be safe, be well, enjoy, and keep farmers farming!”
