According to the 2022 NC Farmers Market Census, over 6 million people visited farmers markets across the state in 2022. Community members attend farmers markets to purchase local food and other goods, as well as to interact with others. Many attendees at farmers markets are interested in growing and preparing fresh produce. North Carolina Cooperative Extension offers education in these areas through a variety of programs and activities.

Extension partnered with two Winston-Salem farmers markets in 2024, the Cobblestone Farmers Market and the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Farmers Market. NC State Extension Master Gardener volunteers attended each market on one Saturday each month during the growing season in 2024. Volunteers staffed an educational booth and distributed information during conversations with market attendees, as well as through a variety of flyers and handouts. The materials distributed by volunteers helped customers learn more about gardening, Extension resources, and also included information about upcoming Extension events. 

During the 17 Saturdays when volunteers were at the farmers markets, they talked with 768 members of the community. Volunteers reported giving guidance on lawn care, vegetables, shrubs and flower that grow well in the Piedmont. In addition, several community members attended Extension programs after learning about them at the farmers market.

We look forward to continuing our partnership with the farmers markets in 2025. Please stop by to support your local growers and learn more about gardening and Extension!