Growing A Farmers’ Market

Since early June, something has been growing in Berlin. Something town resident Trish Gerstel said, “Has the potential to bring many positive changes to the valley.”
Earlier this year Gerstel formed Our Valley Community Farmers’ Market (OVCFM), which she now participates in as vendor and Market Manager. The market, she said, was created not only to promote local products but also to bring back a sense of community to the residents of the Taconic Valley. “I’ve lived in the Berlin area my entire life, and I’ve witnessed the steady decline of local businesses. More recently I’ve seen the division that has crept into our midst as we tackle tough decisions regarding our schools and towns. It truly is my hope that a community project such as OVCFM can help on both sides.”
The market kicked-off its inaugural season on June 4, on a piece of property known to some as Florist Art’s place. Located on Brimmer Farm Road (just south of Broken Wheel Campground), the home was built in the early 1950s by Gerstel’s great grandfather, Arthur Goodermote, whose green thumb – and common name – earned him the nickname.
When the market opened it consisted of just two vendors: Gerstel, offering a small yield of lettuce as well as homemade baked goods; and Bee A Little Pure, a company founded by Berlin resident Crystal DeFelice, who makes and sells natural soaps, lip balms, beeswax candles, and other items. Since then, OVCFM has added free-range chicken eggs from a supplier in Cherry Plain as well as goats milk soaps and alpaca fiber from Fox Hollow Farm (North Petersburgh). While most are awaiting the arrival of fresh vegetables and fruits many are just as excited that there now is a place where members of the community can build their businesses and support their neighbors’ endeavours.
Our Valley Community Farmers’ Market is located at 18 Brimmer Farm Road. The market is open Saturdays 10 am to 2 pm and Sundays 12 to 4 pm through October 16 and offers products grown and made in the Taconic Valley. More information about our vendors as well as a copy of our Market Handbook and Vendor Application can be found online at www.ourvalleycfm.org, or by contacting Trish Gerstel at ourvalleycfm@live.com.