Bedding Plants, Flowers Available at Farmers' Markets for Mother's Day, Memorial Day
PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management announces that four farmers' markets located in state parks will open on a weekly basis beginning tomorrow. For the first few weeks, the popular markets primarily will offer bedding plants, hanging plants, cut flowers, meat, early vegetable crops, honey, and maple syrup. As traditional local summer crops become available, more vendors will participate.
"With the growing demand for locally-grown products, seasonal farmers' markets help create a more sustainable, locally-based food system that benefits the Rhode Island economy and environment," said DEM Director Janet Coit. "In addition to offering an opportunity to buy the freshest produce, meats and seafood possible, farmers' markets are great places to purchase beautiful bedding plants and flowers – especially with Mother's Day just a week away."
The farmers' markets in DEM-operated parks and market hours of operation are:
• Goddard Memorial State Park Farmers' Market in Warwick, Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. beginning on May 2. • Colt State Park Farmers' Market in Bristol, Fridays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. beginning on May 2. • Fishermen's Memorial State Park Farmers' Market in Narragansett, Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. beginning on May 4. • Haines Memorial State Park Farmers' Market on Route 103 on the East Providence/Barrington line, Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. beginning on May 7.
The opening of the DEM Farmers' Markets coincides with the opening of many other farmers' markets throughout the state. Several additional farmers' markets operated by DEM will open in late July through late October, including:
• Capitol Hill Farmers' Market in Providence, Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning on July 24. • Johnston Farmers' Market at Memorial Park on Route 6 (Hartford Avenue), Mondays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. beginning on July 28. • State Pier Nine Farmers' Market at State Pier Nine in Newport, Fridays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. beginning on July 25.
Most vendors at every DEM Farmers' market accept farmers' market checks from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) administered by the Department of Health (to purchase fruits and vegetables). The successful Senior Farmers' Nutrition Program for purchase of fruits and vegetables, administered by DEM for the past eight years, will be offered at all DEM markets as the season progresses. The coupons are expected to be available at senior centers sometime in July. To qualify for the program, persons 60 or older make a simple self-declaration of income based on household size. DEM coordinates the program in conjunction with the RI Department of Elderly Affairs.
Rhode Island has 1,243 farms, mostly family run, which occupy 68,000 acres. The state is a national leader in direct-sales to consumers, with 50 seasonal farmers markets in the state's urban, suburban and rural areas, seven indoor winter markets, and numerous pick-your-own and farm stand operations. The recent Green Industry Economic Impact Study funded by DEM and conducted by URI conservatively estimates that total agricultural revenues in Rhode Island are $170.6 million.
DEM's Division of Agriculture and Resource Marketing, which helps farmers with marketing information, offers a free brochure that lists the locations of all farmers' markets and roadside stands, along with addresses, hours, days and months of operation, and telephone numbers. To obtain a free brochure, or participate in the state farmers' markets, please contact the Division at 222-2781. The brochure is also available on DEM's website, www.dem.ri.gov, by clicking on "Agriculture in Rhode Island" on the left side of the homepage, then "Farmers' Markets."