According to New York State Senator Patty Ritchie, Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Fairport’s economy can look forward to a boost as the local farmers’ market gets underway.
Statewide project grants to promote greater access to farm products in low-income communities prompted Senator Ritchie to comment that “farmers’ markets across New York State are an important part of local economies”. She went on to note that Governor Cuomo has actively promoted farmers’ markets across the state as a win-win for farmers, growers, and consumers at every income level.
The health benefits to consumers from access to fresh, local produce are well-documented and farmers’ markets also enrich the local business community; a result noted in a 2011 report issued by researchers at Cornell University.
In Fairport, village merchants can expect to see additional pedestrian traffic in the main shopping district, a welcome development for shop owners. Other businesses that offer services needed by market vendors, for example flyer and poster printing, should also see benefits from the market’s annual operation.
The market is well known across New York State, and received national recognition thanks to a mention by James Bernard Frost in his book 'The Artichoke Trail'. A Saturday-only shopping event, the market attracts customers from across the region thanks to the rich variety of produce, foods, and handcrafted items offered for sale.
By early summer, more than 60 growers and artisans will be open for business in the parking lot behind the village’s Bank of America. From May through mid-November, this spot is transformed into a thriving outdoor marketplace. For area residents, a visit to the market is a wonderful opportunity to access fresh foods, support local business, and strengthen the farming community.
