Thomas Baggett named Farmers Market Manager

When Thomas Baggett talks about the Rutherford County Farmers Market his face lights up and there is an excitement in his voice.

The 31-year-old Baggett came to Rutherford County in 2020 from McDowell County and has been named the manager of the Farmers Market. He is also President of Rutherford Barn, the nonprofit group that manages the Farmers Market.

"I am so excited," Baggett said three days before opening day of the 2023 spring/summer Farmers Market located off Park Square in Forest City near the Pavilion on Park Square (POPS).

Saturday, April 1 was opening day of the farmers market and from now until October the market will be open from 8 a.m. until 12 noon each Saturday with a variety of fresh foods, crafts and arts vendors and meat vendors.

Occasionally food trucks and live music will be featured at the market.

There is still some vendor space available for those interested in bringing their garden or craft items, but Baggett reminds anyone interested in being a farmers market vendor, "space is filling up fast...but we can make more space," he said.

When the market opened last Saturday there were approximately 26 vendors.

Vendors must live within a 50 mile radius of the market or live in an adjacent county.

The market also opened with a few new growers bringing fresh spring greens and vegetables.

During this season there are plenty of oats, greens, early spring vegetables such as carrots, radishes, beets, turnips, kale, spinach and parsley available.

Baggett said there is a need for more healthy food choices in the area and they can be found at the farmers market.

"We are a good outlet for those wanting fresh, healthy foods," he said.

"At the market buyers can find local healthy foods, can visit with the vendors on how they grew it and made it," he continued. "Vendors love to talk."

There are also farmers who will bring their fresh eggs each week.

Fresh beef and pork are available as well as local farmed trout.

In addition to the fresh spring veggies, a variety of greens, mushrooms, etc., Baggett also said craft vendors will be selling jewelry, soaps and there is a new vendor this season with fresh cut flowers.

Buyers and farmers at the market will also have an opportunity to give back to the community through the Dale Young Pantry fund through Rutherford BARN.

The Pantry Fund collects donations at the Farmers Markets specifically to purchase locally farmed produce to donate to food banks across the county. The Pantry Fund was begun by Bob Young in honor of his late wife Dale Young. Food pantry directors and volunteers subsequently pack the fresh produce into boxes for people in Rutherford County who are eligible for free food. The fresh produce helps with food insecurities.

Baggett said he became interested in agriculture and farming when he was in college in Louisiana and "has been excited about it ever since then," he said. He along with several others farmers have plots of farmland in several areas and their business is Appalachian Flavor.

"We accept EBT....Come on out this weekend and get your Easter eggs," he said.

To apply to become a vendor or for more information, contact Baggett at 828-287-6010 or 828-789-9421.