Celebrate Farmers Markets this Summer

A morning stroll through downtown Red Wing, MN, on nearly any summer morning will bring a person to the colorful scene that can only be a farmers market. While seemingly every community across the country has one of these lively gatherings, a general perception of farmers markets is that they are small operations with limited or niche products. But that could not be farther from the truth. In 2020, of the $2.9 billion in direct-to-consumer sales reported by the USDA, on-farm stores and farmers markets accounted for $1.7 billion.

Besides being big business, farmers markets are critical contributors to local job creation and the cultivation of strong, vibrant communities. Growers selling at local outlets create thirteen full-time farm operator jobs per $1 million in revenue earned, while those who do not sell locally create only three. 

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 offer a future for farmers, providing rare low-barrier entry points for new farmers, ranchers and food entrepreneurs to start small and test new products. 

Support local farmers

August 7 - 13 is National Farmers Market Week and a perfect opportunity to join the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in promoting and assisting these community treasures. There are many opportunities to support these farmers markets and small businesses in Red Wing.

Farmers Markets

Red Wing has a series of farmers markets nearly year-round. Visitors can find more information on the vendors here. 

Summer Market

• Levee Road in front of the train depot
• Saturdays, June to October 
• Open Air?; 8am-1pm
• ?Pre-order/Pick Up: 10am-11am

Weekday Market?

• Outside City Hall on West 4th Street
• Monday through Friday; May to October
• 8am until sold out

Winter Market

• Location TBD for 2022
• Saturdays, November to December

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

Another excellent way to find fresh produce, support local farmers and help build community strength is through a CSA. Farmers benefit from CSA’s by marketing directly to their potential customers and receiving payment for their produce in advance. Customers benefit by receiving fresh produce, typically grown in organic and sustainable farming practices. Local Harvest has a complete list of CSA’s in the Red Wing Area.

Cannon Valley Butchers Block

Sogn Valley Farm, Cannon Falls

Dancing Gnome Farm, Wabasha

The Greensted, Zumbrota

Nurturing growth

Like the produce they grow and sell, farmers markets, farmers and other agribusiness entrepreneurs need proper nutrients to grow. Along with National Farmers Market Week, the SBA is promoting its collection of resources and tools it provides to help aspiring business owners bring their dreams to reality. A complete list of these, like the Community Navigator Pilot Program, Women’s Business Centers, Veterans Business Outreach Centers and more, can be accessed at the SBA Resource Partners website. 

The Red Wing Port Authority is here to help you grow your business as well. Please contact us today to learn more about our assistance programs and networking opportunities.