Small but Strong & Growing

Justy Haney had been making small batches of artisan jams and jellies for several years before she decided to try selling her products at farmers markets and other events. The first place she tried was the Redmond Farmers Market, back in 2010. Justy’s Jelly — including her best selling pepper jellies — can now be found at grocery stores, coffee shops, cafes and large festivals all over Oregon. But a piece of Haney’s heart still belongs to her first market.

“The Redmond Farmers Market is one of my favorites,” said Haney. “It is small, but the community that does come is very loyal and supportive of the farmers, crafters and producers like me.”

The market hosts an average of 15 vendors and welcomes approximately 400 visitors each week during the season, which runs every Tuesday from June 14 through Sept. 13, from 3–6 p.m. at Centennial Park.

Michelle Jiunta, who has managed the market for the last five years, said that the tremendously positive response and loyal support from the Redmond community has meant a lot to her personally.

“Having a customer base that returns every week is really important to me,” said Jiunta. “It means that people are recognizing the quality that we provide and they are willing to make that extra stop to get products from their favorite farmer. It is such an encouraging, positive sign.”

Visitors to the market can expect to find a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits, meats, eggs, cheese and baked goods, all of which have been produced or handmade by vendors. Imported resale items are not allowed at the market, and all vendors must be from Oregon. In fact, most are from Central Oregon.

“Only two of our vendors are from the other side of the Cascades,” said Jiunta. “We are kind of unique in that. Most other markets pull from a larger range than we do. The feel of our market is definitely neighborly, with most of the vendors from the Culver, Madras and Redmond area.”

The Centennial Park setting adds to the appeal of the market, and has the additional bonus of being family-friendly.

“It is super easy access with plenty of parking,” said Jiunta. “There is green grass, a water feature, live music and a relaxed environment.”

As a vendor, Haney also appreciates the market setting.

“It is great,” said Haney. “We are on the grass in the park instead of pavement on a street. Michelle has some great music for us to listen to and everyone is relaxed and enjoying the market.”

During her five years of managing the market, Jiunta has seen a rapid increase in the number of people involved in producing food locally.

“The movement toward locally produced food has made a big change,” said Jiunta. “There are so many more people growing and producing in Central Oregon now, compared to five years ago and so many more small, local farmers bringing produce to market.”

This is great news for individuals interested in eating locally sourced foods and supporting local small farmers, crafters and artisans. And an extra benefit to purchasing food at the market is that all of its produce vendors practice organic farming.

“They might not necessarily be certified as it is so expensive, but they do not use pesticides, and the meat has no hormones or antibiotics,” said Jiunta. “Everything is organic and fresh from Oregon.”

To make it easier to buy fresh, locally produced foods, the market accepts a variety of payment forms, including cash, debit, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Oregon Trail Card, Farm Direct Nutrition Program (for at-risk families and low-income senior citizens) and WIC Fruit & Veggie vouchers. Some vendors also accept major credit cards.

Purchasing food from local vendors instead of larger, national grocery store chains or big box stores means that money stays local.

“All the money you spend at Redmond Farmers Market is staying in Oregon, primarily in Central Oregon,” said Jiunta. “It goes to small, family run operations and supports our local economy.”

Jiunta is excited about the growing trend she sees toward purchasing fresh, locally produced foods versus supermarket goods which are sometimes sitting for weeks, and she is looking forward to watching the market continue to grow in the future.

“I want to say a big thank you to the community for supporting Redmond Farmers Market,” said Jiunta. “We’ve grown so much in the last five years and I am so pleased with the direction we are going.”

For more information email: redmondfarmersmarket1@hotmail.com or call Michelle Jiunta, Redmond Farmers Market Manager at 541-550-0066.