Lorton Farmers Market Opens Sunday

May 1st is the day lovers of fresh fruits and vegetables have been waiting for – Fairfax County’s farmers markets begin re-opening.

As the only farmers market open on Sundays, Lorton is the first to spring back to life. The Lorton Farmers Market will be open Sundays through Nov. 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and is located in the VRE Station parking lot.

Fairfax County has 12 farmers markets, with different locations open each day except Monday. They are run by the Park Authority, which describes the markets this way on the county’s website: “These bustling marketplaces draw thousands of Fairfax County residents with a feast for the senses. The vibrant colors of freshly picked fruits and vegetables contrast with the fragrant perfume of cut flowers.”

The markets are overseen by coordinator Phyllis Ingram, who is charged with vetting the vendors and making sure they are in compliance with all Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services regulations. All products sold must be produced within 125 miles of Fairfax County.

Most of the vendors in Lorton come from Virginia but one is from Maryland and another from Pennsylvania.

In addition to fruits, vegetables and flowers, here’s what else you can buy at the Lorton market: dry rubs and soup mixes, various meats, ethnic sausages, goat cheese, baked goods, honey and plants. The goat cheese vendor is new to the market this year.

The vendors are chosen by Ingram and the various market masters. They are volunteers who staff the markets weekly and know the demographics of their market. “The real hero is the volunteer market master who selflessly is at each market whether it is below freezing or nearly 100 degrees,” Ingram said.

Many of the markets, including Lorton, also have master gardeners on site to answer questions about plants.

The Lorton market also serves by the community by allowing the Lorton Community Action Center to “glean” from the produce that isn’t sold. Food pantry manager Karlene Webster says it benefits needy families and the farmers who don’t want to carry their unsold produce home.

Last year, the center got 10,000 pounds of food from the market, Webster said.

“They’re a godsend,” she said. “It’s a wonderful thing for the community.”

Ingram said people who shop the market really appreciate the local touch.

“I think people like to connect to the farmers and producers who grow or make the products in the market,” she said. “Most of the produce is picked the day before they are taken to the market so you get the freshest fruit and vegetables available. Also if you have questions you can talk to the person who grew it, picked it or works on the farm, right there at the market.”