Updates to the Richland County Farmer's Market

Published: 2022
By Carrie Krug & Marley Manoukian

For over 20 years, the Richland County Farmer's Market has been high on the list of things to check out during the summer months. The new Montana Local Food Choice Act opened the door for new vendors to participate in the market. This, along with additional improvements made by Richland County MSU Extension Agents Carrie Krug and Marley Manoukian, helped make it a successful 2022 market season. The Montana Local Food Choice Act provided exemptions from licensures and requirements, which provided opportunities for new vendors to participate. Foods that can now be sold at the market include baked goods including bread, pastries, cookies, and pies, cereals, trail mixes, granola, snack mixes, dried and freeze-dried products, jams, jellies, fruit butter, canned fruits and vegetables, dried herbs, seasonings, honey, whole shell eggs, and others. This encouraged more vendors to participate in the market, with 25 participating. Krug and Manoukian made efforts to increase awareness of the market. Advertisements and multiple articles were placed in the newspaper, along with yard signage around town. The agents worked to increase the farmer's market visibility by posting photos of items available at each market on social media, and by featuring a “Vendor Spotlight.” The Vendor Spotlights recognized individual market vendors. When vendors were asked about the market this year, one stated, “Great! We had more activity and people than in previous years,” and another said it was a “good experience.”