Batesville Farmers’ Market Finally Gets a Home

New Market will have "Homegrown, Handcrafted" Focus

Bob Pest
Photos by Judy Pest

Farmers’ markets of all sizes and varieties dot the Ozarks landscape, some little more than a pick-up truck under a shady tree, others occupying entire town squares.  The Fayetteville Farmers’ Market, one of the largest and most successful in the state, features both local agricultural products and handcrafted items, a common and logical combination.  The mission of that market is “to support the development of a healthy economy for small-scale agriculture,” a commendable goal to be sure.  But farmers’ markets do much more, benefiting the consumer in countless ways. They provide the freshest produce available at reasonable prices, frequently produce picked yesterday, or even that morning. Small organic farmers and farmers specializing in one or two specialty items tend to prefer farmers’ markets, aware that shoppers there are more likely to seek out and appreciate their products. Shoppers also have the opportunity to buy exactly the number of items they need not be limited by the wasteful excessive packaging of produce in chain groceries and superstores.

At a different level, local farmers markets give consumers the opportunity to spend their dollars locally and to strengthen their communities.  They enable buyers to feel connected to their food.  For many Americans, even some in rural communities, food is simply another commodity in the shopping cart, along with detergent, furniture polish, and aluminum foil.  For a generation raised on a “microwave-able” cuisine the very notion of people growing food in and around their community is difficult to comprehend, yet alone the notion that such food is “superior” to food that comes in cans.  It is probably also important to remember that, in an era, which has seen more than its share of tainted food, scares, the safest food is probably the food grown closest to home.

Farmers’ markets are also “about” food. Growers are generally more than happy to discuss growing conditions and seasons, ways to determine the ripeness of a particular item, and how to season, cook, preserve, and enjoy the literal fruits of their labors. Regulars learn to plan their meals around the availability of select, prized items–like Bald Knob strawberries or Cave City watermelons. Smart shoppers learn that with fresh produce, timing is everything, so they become attuned to growing cycles and harvest times. Savvy vendors and growers learn their customers’ likes and enthusiasms and fine-tune their operations accordingly.

For as long as anyone in Batesville can remember, the local farmers’ market has been, to borrow a phrase from Ernest Hemingway, a “moveable feast.”  Local produce farmers and truck gardeners have been forced to move from location to location, setting up in empty parking lots or along the side of the road. The most recent location, in the city’s Fitzhugh Park, not far from the scenic White River, has provided an off-street location, some customer parking, and some shade protection.  But the uncovered area offers no protection from rain, has no restrooms, and has limited vendor capacity. 

Recognizing the possibility for growth of the market as well as its potential to serve as a magnet for health-conscious shoppers from surrounding communities, the City of Batesville is providing the market with a new home, a covered facility with easy drive-through access for loading and unloading, ample parking for vendors and customers, and restroom facilities. The new market, set to open in early August, is located on Chaney Drive, less than a mile from the current location, making the transition easy for regular market shoppers.  City organizers, who include both council members and interested citizens, see the new market location as a work-in-progress and have chosen a location that will allow for expansion.  They are also committed to making improvements and additions as demand indicates.  Plans call for the market to operate from 7 to 7 on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from March 1 through October 31. Organizers point out that the first year of operation is an experiment, and that details like days and times will be adjusted to meet the needs of both vendors and shoppers.

Plans call for the market to focus on fresh, homegrown vegetables, fruits, and flowers, as well as local molasses, honey, jams, jellies, pickles, nuts, eggs, candy, and baked goods.  Organizers plan to focus on attracting produce grown in Arkansas or within 100 miles of Batesville. Handcrafted items of all kinds are also welcome with the approval of the market manager.

Dan Guyette, an organic farmer from Desha, just outside of Batesville, has been bringing his organic produce and flowers to the Batesville market, wherever its location, for 18 years.  On any given day he might have Benary Zinnias, Peppermint Zinnias, Begonias, rosemary, thyme, tomatoes, and cucumbers for sale. Guyette’s organic tomatoes are especially sought after and used by local chef and herb farmer Janine Winters at her popular café. Guyette has high hopes for the new market location,  “The market could be great signature feature for this community, something that will attract shoppers from all over.  With the joint focus on homegrown produce and handcrafted products, it will also give the talented craftspeople in the area a showcase for their work.”

Farmers’ markets frequently develop a festive, family atmosphere, complete with musicians and performers, food vendors, crafts demonstrations, and sidewalk artists. Parents use the opportunity to show their children what food looks like before it goes in box or a freezer bag and introduce them to a “real farmer.” The organizing committee, who are eager to gauge response once the market opens and adjust accordingly, will welcome this expanded community element.  Space will initially be available for local non-profits to sell coffee, donuts, and other refreshments. Local interest will ultimately determine what amenities and programs will be added.  

Farmers’ markets make a festival out of shopping for fruits, and vegetables, flowers.  They get people with shared commitments together to act in support of their beliefs in local economies, and in the process to celebrate the work of the people who grow the food best food in the world—food fresh from the garden and the farm.  Sounds like more fun than pushing a cart down a crowded aisle...

Growers, vendors, craftspeople, and artisans interested in space in the new Batesville Farmers’ Market should contact City of Batesville Parks Supervisor Randy Palmer at 870-698-2431.  Registration is required, but no fee will be charged for 2007.  Space is available on a first come, first served basis.

Author Bob Pest plans to celebrate the opening of the Batesville Farmers’ Market by buying one of everything.