County Agent’s Corner
Denis M. Scott 
Extension Agent/Extension Instructor
from The Morgan Messenger, May 7, 2008

   When you’re driving down Washington Street this Sunday, keep your eyes peeled for the new Farmers’ Market sign.  The redesigned logo is bright and bold, so it should catch your attention.  At the corner of Fairfax, right across from the park, you’ll notice the hustle and bustle of shoppers and vendors.  From 10am to 2pm every Sunday, locals and tourists alike are taking advantage of an opportunity that’s become increasingly rare.
   At the Berkeley Springs Farmers’ Market, you can actually meet the folks who grow and make the goods you buy.  Purchasing commodities directly from producers was day-to-day business not too long ago.  This tradition lives on at the Farmers’ Market, where customer interaction is part of the experience.  You can meet your neighbors, learn something new, and get your shopping done all at the same time.  How’s that for multi-tasking?
    Of course, there’ll be plenty of potted plants, vegetable starts, and produce for sale.  But you might discover just as many unexpected goods.  There are exotic looking plants that are, in fact, native to Morgan County.  Heirloom vegetables are another big surprise to many shoppers.  Seeing the Crayola box of colors found in old-time tomato varieties would delight even the most seasoned gardener.  For discriminating foodies, there are enough specialty items to tempt demanding gourmet palates.  Morel mushrooms, spicy watercress, and cilantro-lime hummus, to name a few, are excellent buys for either epicurean novices or aficionados.
    Not a fruit and vegetable fan?  Don’t let that stop you!  The Farmers’ Market offers so much more.  If you’re a meat and potatoes person, sample the pasture-raised beef.  There’s also chicken and eggs for sale, with cheeses, goat, and mutton available later this season.  Got a sweet tooth?   Then try the cakes, candies, or cookies that can be custom decorated.  Or you can always pick-up a jar of local honey to spread on breads or zest up teas.
    Economically, there’s a litany of reasons for supporting area producers.  Ultimately, your purchasing power goes a longer way when spent with local folks.  The money tends to stay in the community, getting recycled at neighborhood businesses, increasing revenue percentages, and thereby benefiting everyone.  However when shopping, that’s often the last thing on the mind.
   So come out to the Farmers’ Market for your own reason.  Is it to find great deals?  Eat healthier?  Maybe you just like socializing on Sundays?  Or perhaps, you’ve discovered my little secret… the food simply tastes better!

The Morgan County Fair will be held Augus 2-3, 2008.
Visit the Morgan County Fair for applications:
www.morgancounty-wv.org/Fair/Fair-Home.htm