Housatonic — The first of six indoor winter farmers markets was held at the Housatonic Community Center (AKA the “Housy Dome”) on Saturday, November 18. The next day, on Sunday November 19, a similar market was held at Greylock WORKS in North Adams. The weekend markets were a kick-off to the monthly indoor farmers market series organized by the local organization Berkshire Grown. The Housatonic winter farmers’ market will be held on the third Saturday of every month up until April.
According to Berkshire Grown’s website, the mission of the Great Barrington-based organization is to support and promote local agriculture and its producers.
Berkshire Grown Executive Director Margaret Moulton said that the winter markets will be a boost in business for Berkshire farmers. “The winter is a season where it’s hard for farmers to find a market for their vegetables, syrup, and other things that they [produce],” Moulton told The Berkshire Edge. “We wanted to find a way where they have a place to go to sell their goods. Also, now that the pandemic is over, people can come to meet their friends and neighbors at these markets.”
Moulton said that it is practically impossible to have a farmers’ market outdoors in the wintertime in Berkshire County. “Anyone trying to sell produce would freeze outside,” Moulton said. “Sometimes you can have a fish or meat vendor sell their items outdoors, but nobody wants to stand outside for long periods in the winter.”
Moulton said that there will be at least 20 vendors at each market through the winter season.
One of the vendors at the November 18 market in Housatonic was Ellyn Gaydos, an employee of Abode Farm in New Lebanon, N.Y. The farm was selling a variety of fresh produce, including kale, lettuce, and potatoes. “We haven’t been here since last year, so it’s exciting to be back and interact with Berkshire customers,” Gaydos said. “It’s also cool to see your farming neighbors along with new customers.”
“This is a great opportunity to sell our goods and get income year round,” Martin Stosiek, owner of Markristo Farm in Hillsdale, N.Y., said about the winter farmers markets. During the Nov. 18 market, the farm sold a variety of organic vegetables, including carrots, onions, and bok choy. “We can sell different types of root vegetables during the winter,” Stosiek said. “It’s important for people to come out and support their local farmers by buying from local farms.”
For more information on the winter farmers’ markets, visit the Berkshire Grown websites.
