About the Market (continued)

In addition to this success, there have been other enterprises benefiting Harrisonburg and Rockingham County created from the Market.  Most recently Shank’s Bakery on Water Street opened its doors as a downtown business in July 2005.  Randy and Janet Shank began a successful Farmers’ Market enterprise selling plants, produce and baked goods on Tuesday and Saturdays and now have expanded operations as a local retailer. Marlin and Christina Burkholder and Radical Roots farm run by David O’Neill and Lee Sturgis are other examples of successful Farmers’ Market vendors who have gone on to create additional successful enterprises, in this case Community Supported Agriculture operations.

Our Mission : The mission of the Harrisonburg Farmers’ Market is to provide the public with easy access to fresh, healthy, locally-produced agricultural goods and crafts of the highest quality while assisting farmers and other producers in directly marketing their products. The Farmers’ Market allows producers to sell directly to consumers and increases farmers’ return on investment for growing fresh, healthy food for public consumption.  The Market not only directly serves the population that buys food and products direct, but also promotes increased viability for small local agricultural producers and craftspeople. The Harrisonburg Farmers’ Market primarily serves the City of Harrisonburg (estimated population 40,438) and Rockingham County (est. 67,725) with a potential to reach 108,163 citizens.