Turley Publication Photo by Jonathan Cook

Cam Nystrom of Warren purchases fresh vegetables at the first ever West Brookfield Farmers Market Wednesday afternoons from 3 to 6 p.m. on the Common.

Farmers Market kicks off

Shoppers find variety of local farm products

By Jonathan Cook

Turley Publications Reporter

WEST BROOKFIELD – After more than a year of trying to convince the town that there is no by-law to prevent it, the farmers market proposed by Amy Dugas in spring 2009 has begun.

Shortly after 2 p.m. last Wednesday, the first table was unfolded. Before long, there was flurry of activity as 17 vendors of food, flowers and herbs displayed the products of their labor on the west end of the Common.

At precisely 3 p.m., Dugas rang an old hand bell and launched the market into reality.

Hundreds of shoppers, old and young, turned out in a constant stream, and lingered to chat with familiar faces until shortly before the market closed at 6 p.m.

Cam Nystrom of Warren filled bags with produce grown at Little Rest Farm in Brimfield. Her toddler kept her busy with the other hand, but Nystrom took a moment to say how important it is to have this market available. “I’d much rather buy fresh than in stores,” she said.

And fresh is what was on sale. Five Loaves Bakery provided baguettes, scones and artisan loaves. Beefalo was available from West Brookfield’s own Wild Mountain Farm. Dairy from Barre was available thanks to Ricky and Sandra Evangelitis of Hancock Farm. They brought along their own milk, cheese and ice cream.

Linda Fuch’s offered fragrant potted herbs in a variety of colors.

Like a honey bee zipping from one flower to another, Dugas checked in with vendors and shoppers and made sure all was well. “It’s organized improvisation,” she quipped, satisfied, but nearly exhausted from the long effort.

Dealings with the town are hardly over. Making her presence known was Health Inspector Joanne Bernier. She not only made sure safe handling practices were followed, but brought news that a $50 permit was required for dairy and meat farmers.

That came as a blow to the Evangelitis dairy operation. Dugas noted that as dairy farmers they are already subject to rigorous inspections and hefty state licensing fees. Also, she said, local dairy farms are having a very hard time staying in business. Part of the reason for the farmers market is to give local farmers an opportunity.

“The profit on milk is pennies (on the gallon),” said Sandra Evangelitis. As the President of the Barre Farmers Market, Evangelitis said she has not heard of a town imposing a permit fee on farms at markets. She said her Hancock Farm also participates in markets in Holden, Rutland and others.

“The people of this town should embrace their farmers market and be very proud of what has been accomplished,” said Evangelitis. “This is a gorgeous setting. They have an absolute jewel of a market.”

Meanwhile, under the pine tree, All Hill Farm’s Rich Giordano and Farmers Market Committee member Suzanne LePage provided the vibe with song and guitars accompanied by Chuck Cloutier on fiddle.

Beginning now, every Wednesday throughout the growing season, this community can come together on its own common to taste the abundant fruits of the region.