Oconee Farmers Market

The Oconee Farmers Market is operated by and for its members, who are the original producers of the items sold at the market. The market is designed to support local and regional farmers and gardeners by providing a direct marketing opportunity for their produce and value-added agricultural products. Only Georgia growers or producers within an approximate 100-mile radius of Oconee County may sell goods at the Oconee Farmers Market. This insures the market remains a viable local and community market not subject to warehousing operations, supplies only local and the very freshest produce to our customers, and supports local agriculture and agritourism for the benefit of the agribusiness sector of the regional area. A seller or producer is any person who is directly involved in the production of items such as fruits, vegetables, edible grains, nuts, berries, plants, flowers or value-added agricultural products. Each Saturday, growers or producers within an approximate 100-mile radius of Oconee County set up tables at the Oconee Farmers Market. These are individuals who are directly involved in the production of items such as fruits, vegetables, meats, edible grains, nuts, berries, plants, flowers or value-added agricultural products. The latter includes soaps, birdhouses, decorated gourds and carved wood products. Oconee Farmers Market began operation in 2004 in the front yard of the Eagle Tavern across from the Courthouse in downtown Watkinsville, the county seat of Oconee County. The market moved to the rear of the Tavern in 2009 to allow for more vendors. In 2012 the market moved to the front of the Courthouse. Vendors pay a percentage of their sales each week to sustain the market. The Market does not get any government support other than free use of space. The market has a Board of Directors. Cindy Pritchard is president , Russ Page (below, right) is vice president , Eric Pope is treasurer, and Nancy Thompson is the secretary. Lee Becker is the customer representative. Pritchard is also the market manager. In 2012, the market plans to operate from April 14 through November, weather permitting. Watch the video below, left, to meet the market's youngest vendor as she touts her offerings at the market.