Athens Farmers Host Mini-Farmer's Market for Students

The community of Athens is trying to give students more options, especially those without transportation, by providing a mini-farmer’s market on Ohio University’s College Green.Tracy Kelly, founder of the mini-market and a student at Ohio University studying for her Masters in Public Administration, believes there are several benefits to having a market closer to students.“Some students, especially international ones, do not have transportation to the original farmer’s market,” said Kelly. “Also, it is a really good [way] to support the community and interact while learning a little bit more about the people who normally support the agriculture in this area.”The mini-market is relatively new to the area. Beginning in fall of 2011 after Kelly saw a need for more food options on campus, the idea has grown to cater to students twice a semester.The traditional Athens Farmer’s Market celebrates 40 years of vendors this year. The 20 plus vendors meet each week on Wednesdays and Saturdays to promote their product. Their vast variety of products includes herbal tea, orchard apples, pies, different types of salsa, fresh bread, vegetables and kettle corn.Farmer’s markets are making a comeback in several cities across the country. For many, the appeal of food grown without the use of pesticides makes up for the increase in cost. Although there are advantages to using pesticides, such as yielding a higher crop and growing that crop more easily, not using pesticides can decrease potentially harmful [effects] to humans and animals.“20 years ago people would go to organic farmers’ markets or the grocery store because both were readily available,” said Arthur Trese, professor of plant economics at OU. “The mantra to farmers’ markets is to buy local and support the local economy. If your economy is healthy, others can make a living.”Although the mini-market held on campus does not have reduced prices in comparison to the city’s regular market, the collection of about 16 vendors do try to give students incentive to come.“The prices are usually the same, but some vendors, such as Herbal Sage Tea, give students a free cup,” said Kelly.Buying locally in a traditional market style benefits participants in several ways.“Bringing the students closer to the community is the goal,” said Kelly. “Several vendors enjoy that the students ask them questions. Purchasing local also helps the economy.”The benefits of purchasing locally grown food are simple. Put money into a local economy and you get more spending within that community. More spending means more money circulation throughout the area. The markets also help support the occupation of farming. For 100 years, the United States Department of Agriculture has kept a census of farmers; today, only one percent of Americans identify themselves as farmers.For those vendors who participate in the market, selling to students has its bonuses. John Gillogly Orchards occupies around15 acres with 14 different types of apple trees. They drive about 20 miles from Albany to Athens twice a week to sell apples and apple cider to the community.“We sell a lot of produce to students since they cannot make it to the regular market,” said John Gillogly of John Gillogly Orchards in Albany, Ohio. “We do not reduce prices but it is nice to meet the students and create a client base. Hopefully they will come more often that way.”