Farmers Market Coalition

'Green Zebra' is one of the many heirloom vegetables and unique offerings of the Chewelah Farmers Market.

Located in the rural Northeast corner of Washington State, Chewelah is a small town of approximately 2,200 people.  Far from tourist destinations, the town came together in early 2008 to discuss a model of community-based sustainable agriculture.  Choosing from many ideas, the group focused on one they felt could be implemented rather quickly – a community-focused farmers market.  In late July 2008, the Chewelah Farmers Market first opened and immediately set off on a trajectory of vibrant growth in this small community.

Now in its fourth year, the market recently incorporated in 2011 as an independent Washington State non-profit corporation. Completely volunteer run, the market was made possible by 3,000 donated hours in 2010, demonstrating broad community support.  It holds monthly events that draw locals as well as the tourists to the area, and all the vendors are encouraged to decorate their booth to match the theme.  Market gardeners that are not large enough to have a booth are invited to bring produce to a consignment table.

Chewelah Farmers Market represents what a small, rural town can do to support local farmers, without having the density and financial resources of a large metropolitan area.    It provides direct marketing opportunities for small-scale farms to sell to neighboring families without having to travel to more distant large metropolitan area farmers markets.

A strong social fabric is yet another feature of Chewleah Farmers Market.  When one of their farmers fell ill and required emergency life-saving surgery without the benefit of health insurance, the market raised more than $4,000 in response. Market President Nils Johnson said, “I’m happy to report that our farmer is now well and back selling his excellent produce at our market again this year.”

The Washington State Farmers Market Association (WSFMA) awarded the Chewelah Farmers Market as the Best Small Farmers Market in the state in 2010. Teri Wheeler, President of WSFMA, said that “Many in the town refer to this market as the community’s living room.”

Learn more about Chewelah Farmers Market online at www.chewelahfarmersmarket.blogspot.com.