Music at the Market: Produce and Possibilities!

Farmers markets allow people to access locally-grown produce, support local growers and enjoy the company of friends and family. But they are often much more than that. They can be small business cultivation centers, contributing a significant economic impact to their community that often goes unnoticed. In 2022, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service indicated there were more than 8,700 U.S. farmers’ markets, with total annual sales estimated at $1 billion. The Farmers Market Coalition reported growers selling in local outlets create 13 full-time farm operator jobs in their communities per $1 million in revenue earned, compared to only three for those not selling locally.

Troutdale Farmers Market

Beginning with National Farmers Market Week, August 6 - 12, this month is an excellent opportunity to support these community treasures. Troutdale’s new farmers market, Music at the Market, occurs every Tuesday in August, with fresh produce, artisan foods and live music. Each week will feature a different local musical artist.

Music at the Market

• Mayors Square in historic downtown Troutdale
• Every Tuesday in August
• 6 - 8 pm

Other options

The Original Gresham Farmers Market on Saturdays has offered an outlet for local growers and artisans to bring their produce and crafts to attendees since 1986. Sundays are for the Fairview Farmers Market has a variety of fares from local artisans and farmers, matched with live entertainment and sixteen food carts.

There are numerous possibilities to find natural, homegrown foods near Troutdale at various Farms & U-Pick options. Food Trails in the area offer 80 miles of beautiful vistas, family-owned farms, u-pick orchards,  farm-to-table experiences and more. Troutdale is part of the West Gorge Food Trail, while more options can be found along the East Gorge Food Trail.

Celebrate farmers!

August 6 - 12 is National Farmers Market Week and a good reminder of the importance farmers, growers and creators have on the vitality of the Troutdale community. You can learn more about the national effort from the Farmers Market Coalition.

Visiting these markets is an excellent way to get your financial contributions directly into the pockets of local farmers and artisans. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service indicates that American farmers receive only 14.3 cents of every dollar spent on food, while they take upwards of 90 cents on the dollar from farmers’ markets.

Supporting farmers now can help the future of local produce. Farmers markets provide rare low-barrier entry points for farmers, ranchers and food entrepreneurs to start small and test new products. The National Young Farmers Coalition reports that there are 3.5 times as many U.S. farmers over 65 as those under 35. Farmers markets can be business incubators for young farmers, helping them start their ventures. In 2020, producers of farms that sold local food directly were more likely than all U.S. farms to be female and age 34 or younger. 

Fresh and healthy in Troutdale

Fresh, healthy food options and good community experiences make for perfect summer experiences. We’d love to hear about your favorites this summer! Explore Troutdale today or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok to spread the word!