Berkshire Grown Holiday Farmers' Markets Report $100,000 in Local Revenue for Farmers/Food Producers

Jan. 26, 2012 - PRLog -- In November and December, Berkshire Grown produced four Holiday Farmers’ Markets in north and south Berkshire County to feature locally grown and produced food during months when farmers’ markets are not open in the region. Berkshire Grown brought together more than 60 regional vendors in November and 75-plus vendors in December. Based on post-market surveys, Berkshire Grown facilitated an economic impact of more than $100,000 in 2011 for participating vendors of the holiday markets. This is a nine percent increase over last year, a sign of increased awareness of local food and growing support for the local economy.

The growth of these events is showing increases overall – average vendor income improved by a margin of $150 to $200 per vendor from 2010. Vendors at the four markets – two events in Great Barrington and two in Williamstown – were thrilled with the outcome of the markets and all who submitted post-market surveys are planning to return.

More than 2,600 community members visited the two markets in November, the weekend before Thanksgiving, with more than 1,000 patrons in Great Barrington and 1,500-plus coming through the doors of the Williams College Towne Field House in Williamstown. The December markets attracted more than 2,500 people combined, with approximately 1,000 in Great Barrington and 1,400-plus in Williamstown. Vendor fees, Berkshire Grown-branded item sales, sponsorship from local supporters and a grant from the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation’s Greener Pastures Fund helped generate more than $7,000 for Berkshire Grown, which the organization needed to produce the markets.

"We're thrilled by the success of the Holiday Farmers' Markets," said Barbara Zheutlin, executive director of Berkshire Grown. "The markets generated more than $100,000 for local vendors because we focused on marketing to draw as many patrons as possible. This is a great opportunity for farmers and local food producers to sell directly to community members at a fun event."

As part of Williams College’s ongoing commitment to sustainable food and local agriculture, the College co-sponsored the markets by donating the Williamstown venue as well as providing funding toward the event.  The Zilkha Center and Sustainable Food and Agriculture Program at Williams College provided support to the markets as a community partnership to further incorporate the principles of sustainability into the fabric of campus life. For more information on Williams’ ongoing commitment to sustainable food, visit http://sustainability.williams.edu.

In addition to generous support from Williams College, the premier sponsors for the 2011 markets are the Williamstown Chamber of Commerce and the Green Pastures Fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation. Major sponsors of the event include Berkshire Co-op Market, Berkshire Organics, Blue Q, Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, Mezze Restaurant Group, Sweet Brook Farm and The Red Lion Inn.

2012 Holiday Farmers’ Markets
Due to the popularity and success of the holiday market events over the last three years, Berkshire Grown plans to host similar markets in late fall of 2012. The events will take place in Williamstown and Great Barrington with markets scheduled before Thanksgiving and the weekend before Christmas. More details will be announced in the coming months. Visit www.berkshiregrown.org for additional details or call 413.528.0041.

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Co-owned and founded by Nancy Thomas and Bo Peabody, Mezze Restaurant Group is comprised of Mezze Bistro + Bar in Williamstown, Allium Restaurant + Bar in Great Barrington and Mezze Catering + Events. For info, call 413.458.0123 or visit mezzeinc.com.