Founded in 1972, the Alachua County Farmers’ Market was held in a downtown parking lot at the corner of University Avenue and Main Street. Since 1991, it has been taking place in the county owned pavilion it is held in to this day.
The mission of the Alachua County Farmers’ Market is to give Florida agricultural producers a place to sell products directly to the public so they can generate sustainable income from farming. By doing so, many farmers have been able to keep on farming instead of having to take other jobs or to sell their land for development.
Open every Saturday, rain or shine, from 8:30 am to 12:00 noon, and held at the intersection of US 441 and 34th Street, our vendors offer the freshest fruits and vegetables, meat and dairy, eggs, sprouts and microgreens, starter and ornamental plants, local honey, delicious Cottage Food produced items, as well as some local food truck ready to eat foods!
Since the market is a grower’s only market, those selling produce, plants, and other products at the market are not allowed to purchase produce from other farms or wholesalers and resell it. All agricultural, meat, and dairy products sold at the Alachua County Farmers Market were produced, grown, raised, or made in Florida.
While some vendors may have some non-farming helpers behind their booths, there will be at least one person who can tell you how the crops were grown, whether or not they are organic, and what variety they are. Plant sellers can tell you whether a particular shrub needs shade or sun and how often it should be watered. Sellers of meat, dairy, and eggs will also be able to tell you how their animals are raised.
Through a partnership with Florida Organic Growers, the Alachua County Farmers’ Market offers Fresh Access Bucks, a program that doubles the amount of Florida grown fruits & vegetables SNAP recipients can purchase at the market.
For a complete list of Farmers Markets that participate in Fresh Access Bucks, please visit the Fresh Access Bucks page.
The Alachua County Farmers’ Market is open to customers every Saturday, rain or shine, at 8:30 AM. Don’t forget to bring shopping bags, your grocery list, and plenty of small bills. Come early to get the best selection! We now close at 12:00 noon. Although this is our official closing time, many vendors will have already sold out, especially with items that have a short growing season.
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