Constantine extols farm-fresh produce available in 41 King County neighborhoods

May and June signal King County farmers market season kicking into gear

Executive Constantine rings the opening bell at the Phinney Farmers Market with Chris Curtis, Director, Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance

In fact, two new farmers markets are opening in King County in 2010, bringing the total to 41. That is roughly 30 more than were available in the county only a decade ago.

King County Executive Dow Constantine, who rang the bell to open the Phinney Farmers Market in Seattle today, said the rapid growth of farmers markets is not only good for consumers who want the freshest, best-tasting produce available, it’s great for area family farms.

"We’ve heard from our residents that they value fresh, flavorful, whole foods as an important part of their diet and health, so we’re working to provide more opportunities to buy those foods locally,” said Executive Constantine. “It is gratifying because buying local foods helps strengthen King County's agriculture industry. We now have more than 250 farmers from all over Washington selling at county farmers markets. More than 100 are King County farmers. Supporting farmers markets helps our local family farms stay in a business that adds to our quality of life.”

Anna Metscher and Siri Erickson-Brown of Carnation's Local Roots Farm with Executive Constantine

Most of King County’s 41 neighborhoods markets are opening this month, including a new Seattle market in Georgetown (Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Another 15 markets around King County open in June. The other new market is opening at Olympic Sculpture Park in Seattle on July 15 (Thursdays, 3:30 to 7:30 p.m.) To find information about all 41 King County farmers markets and what farm products are in season visit the Puget Sound Fresh website at: http://www.pugetsoundfresh.org/.

Constantine said farmers markets provide a critical link between urban communities and the region’s farms, strengthen neighborhood business districts, and serve as incubators for small business. He also pointed out that, in each of their communities, farmers markets are partnering with local food banks and meals programs to provide healthy food to those in need.

Steve Evans, King County Farm Specialist, said field greens, carrots, radishes, spinach and rhubarb, plus eggs, cheese, beef, pork and lamb are typically available at farmers markets in May. Strawberries are starting to show now also.

"In just a few more weeks, visitors to farmers' stalls will also start to see fresh raspberries, blueberries and a number of vegetables," Evans said. "New products will become available each week as we move through the growing season."

The Puget Sound Fresh program was created by the King County Agriculture Commission and is supported through a partnership between King County, the Cascade Harvest Coalition and Snohomish County.

Executive Constantine with Wade Bennett of
Enumclaw Rockridge Orchards

Related information

Agriculture

Puget Sound Fresh

King County Water and Land Resources