News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The Monterey Farmers Market will continue to accept vendor applications all year long to encourage even more growth throughout 2024.
The market opened its season Saturday. Assistant Cultural Administrator Johnathan Phillips said the application process is free and easy for anyone who is interested. Phillips said being a vendor at the market is a great way to get involved in the community and get access to special seminars that will be featured throughout the year.
“I think this is a great way for the community as a whole to grow, and I think, as a small farmer, this is a great opportunity to get to know one another and know your buyer, know your consumer, know where your product’s coming from,” Phillips said. “I really have high hopes for it.”
Phillips said those outside of Putnam County who want to apply will need to get a letter from their local UT extension office proving their address and that they grow or craft their products themselves. He said the market will have more vendors this year than past seasons, with as many as thirty showing up for the market’s opening event.
“It’s up a great deal,” Phillips said. “Last year I think they had a total of about twenty-two for the whole year round.”
He said the majority of the vendors are various kinds of crafters, with only three producers applying to be vendors for the market so far.
“We’re just trying to keep it, you know, no wholesalers or anything,” Phillips said. “We’re just trying to promote people that’s doing stuff from home. Self-sufficient farming and stuff like that.”
Phillips said the market will be open each Saturday through October 26. Phillips said the seminars will be put on by the UT extension office, 4H, Master Gardeners, and other local organizations. Anyone who wants to apply to be a vendor can reach out to Phillips at (931) 839-2111.
