Sudbury farmers' market needs more farmers

With the Sudbury farmer's market wrapping up tomorrow, people will be stocking up for the winter months.

But both farmers and the city say the farmer's market needs more farmers.

Dan Mainville, who has been selling his family's potatoes and strawberries at the Sudbury farmer's market for 28 years, says while more shoppers are getting interested in the market, there isn't enough foot traffic to get others like him to set up a stand.

"I would like to see more of the local farmers come out to the market, because there's only three or four of us that come out as farmers."

The price for a stand at the market ranges from $60 for the day to about $2,300 for a season-long stand.

Mainville said the cost he incurs for selling at the market is as much as $10,000 annually an amount that keeps many farmers away.

"I think it's a question of cost," he said. "I think a lot of them like to sell from their roadside stand and that's it."

'People come for local produce'

The manager of tourism and culture with the city said the city works with vendors every year to keep costs reasonable.

"We're always looking at different ways to recruit vendors, especially farmers, because we know the fresh produce is important to our audience," Meredith Armstrong said.

"That's certainly a driving force for the market. People do come for local produce and fresh produce."

But she acknowledged that for many farmers, "farm-gate sales make more sense for them."

The market wraps up its season Saturdaywith Halloween-themed festivities.

"Activities begin around 10 a.m., with science workshops for kids," she said.

"We've got creepy cupcake decorating. We've got theGreater Sudbury Public Library comingto tell spooky family stories. We have a costume parade at noon."

In the weeks to come after the market wraps up for the season, the city will survey vendors and other people for ideas for next year, Armstrong said.

She noted the city is still trying to decide if the farmer's market should be made into an indoor market.