Whether growing mushrooms in a backyard greenhouse or partnering with bees to craft golden honey, the Haliburton County Farmer’s Market (HCFM) is inviting producers to apply for a spot in this year’s market.
“We’re always trying to make our market the best it can be, and have a diverse range of products and vendors,” said coordinator Lauren Phillips.
The HCFM operates markets in Haliburton, Minden and Stanhope, with Minden also hosting an artisan’s market.
The year’s application window closes Jan. 31 and Phillips said while they welcome artisan applications, the market is focused on attracting agricultural sellers this year.
She said selling to local customers connects food growers directly to a local market.
“They bring the community together, people from near and far. It’s a great destination for tourists and locals. Generally, it’s a social gathering.”
To encourage local growers, Phillips said the market will offer a community agriculture table, which vendors share at a reduced fee.
“A lot of our vendors come from south of here,” she said. “We want to see more local agricultural vendors.”
A shorter growing season and less farm land in the County, compared to southern locales around Buckhorn or Lindsay, can make producing in Haliburton a bit tricky. Nonetheless, Phillips said she’s excited by the possibility of locally-made goat cheese, mushrooms and other foods that can easily be made in backyards.
“It never hurts to apply. We’re always trying to make our market the best it can be, and have a diverse range of products and vendors,” she said.
While it’s unclear what health protocols will be in place come summer, Phillips said “most of the vendors and customers are cooperative and supportive and compliant with public health issues.”
Apply to be a vendor by visiting this address: form.jotform. com/203544943276258
