Boone County Farmers’ Market Opens April 5

Farmers’ Market Brings Fresh Produce to Mid-Missouri

Missouri is home to more than 130 farmers’ markets across the state offering consumers locally grown, fresh products. These markets support agricultural diversity and enhance local economies. The Boone County Farmers’ Market will begin its sixth season this Saturday, April 5, at the Columbia-Boone County Health Department parking lot located at West Blvd. and Worley St. in Columbia. The farmers’ market opens at 8:00 a.m.

(PHOTO: Rainbow Produce's Rick Goodman selling at the market.)

"Missouri is home to many great farmers’ markets offering local foods. These markets not only offer products from here in Missouri, but they are also an increasing source of income for our producers across the state,” said Katie Smith, director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture. “Farmers’ markets continue to promote agriculture and provide fresh, local foods to communities throughout Missouri.”

Early season markets will feature herb, flower and vegetable bedding plants along with hanging baskets and other blooming flowers. Also available are early spring vegetables including spinach and lettuce along with beef, lamb, eggs from free range chickens. New this season, the Boone County Farmers’ Market will offer goat cheese and related products. Rounding out a great selection of locally produced feasts, baked goods and coffee will also be offered at the farmers’ market.

The Boone County Farmers’ Market will open each Saturday in April from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Beginning in May, evening markets will be added from 4-6 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. All growers at the Boone County Farmers’ Market are from the central Missouri area and sell only what they produce themselves; customers can be assured that products are fresh and local.
"Every day the food conversation turns more toward the need for fresh and local foods in our diet,” said Rick Goodman, president of the Boone County Farmers’ Market. “Fresh and local not only means better health for the individual, but it also helps the local economy and keeps our small farmers in business.”

For more information regarding the Boone County Farmers’ Market, contact Rick Goodman at (573) 657-4694 or rckgoodman@yahoo.com.