Mat-Su Community Farmer's Market celebrates local agriculture

PALMER — Local agriculture was highlighted at the Mat-Su Community Farmers Market Wednesday, Aug. 9.

The Mat-Su Community Farmers Market was founded by Brandi Joe Nyberg and Phoebe Autry of Sauntering Roots Farm and Zoe Fuller of Singing Nettle Farm.

Nyberg said they established this new market to promote local agriculture and locally sourced goods.

"The community needs it. The community wants it. The demand is there. We can't wait to see how we can expand next year to have even more food," Nyberg said.

Aug. 6 through Aug. 12 is National Farmers Market Week, and the most recent Mat-Su Community Farmers Market event fell right in the middle of it.

Alaska Farmland Trust outreach specialist Kayleigh Brandt attended a booth at the Aug. 9 market to support the new market during this annual week wide celebration that celebrates local farmers across the country.

The Alaska Farmland Trust booth offered various giveaways and a trivia game centered on the work done by the grassroots organization dedicated to preserving local farm properties. Those who won the trivia game won free mugs.

"Our work is pretty linked to farmers markets," Brandt said.

Brandt said the Alaska Farmland Trust will also have a booth at the Midtown Market in Anchorage this Saturday and the 2023 Alaska State Fair season. She said attending public events like these are a great way to engage with the community.

"It's our goal to work toward a more food-secure future for the state," Brandt said.

Brent said that she had a great time interacting with community members during the most recent Mat-Su Community Farmers Market. She said it's a great opportunity for the agricultural community.

"We're so happy to be here and to support local farmers," Brandt said.

According to Nyberg, it's been a successful inaugural season so far at the Mat-Su Community Farmers Market. She said they've actually seen more people attend during rainy days since many Alaskans typically take trips during sunny days.

"It's been very busy," Nyberg said. "All the vendors have been doing well. We have received so much positive feedback."

Looking forward, Nyberg said they aim to expand the market by adding more farm-related vendors.

"We hope that it will be a staple in Palmer for many years to come," Nyberg said.

Nyberg said that local farmers are providing an important role in the community by offering fresh and nutritious products, which is even more prevalent in Alaska since the shipped items lose their flavor and nutrients during the long journey up here.

"For the state of Alaska in general, I think this great to get people to think about how farmers markets change the way we eat," Nyberg said. "You're getting the best good and you're supporting the members of your community. It's a win-win."

The Mat-Su Community Farmer's Market runs through the end of September.

For more information, visit matanuskacommunityfarmersmarket.com.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com