By Steve Cornelius

With a vibrant agricultural community , Madison County is fortunate have a variety of farmer ’ s markets .

The markets — Berea Farmers Market and Madison County Farmers Market — now operate nearly year round and operate multiple days in different locations to help vendors and customers .

A grower-only market , the Berea Farmers Market brings together a range of vendors , all locally grown and created produce .

The Berea Farmers ’ Market is a year-round

market that provides fresh and local fruits , veggies , plants , eggs , meats and more . They are a “ growers only ” market , which means if a farmer sells it , he or she raised it !

In addition to their farmers ’ fresh goodies , they also have value added and local artisan vendors . Vendors offer prepared foods like breads , desserts , kombucha tea , coffee beans , and other items . Their local artisans make their market complete by selling their uniquely crafted artwork and handmade items like soap , jewelry , and sewed items ( like aprons and bags ).

The Berea Farmers Market sets up Tuesdays from 3-6 p . m . and Saturday from 9 a . m . to 1 p . m . at 635 Chestnut Pavilion , from April through October .

From November 1 to March 31 , the market moves indoors .

The Kentucky Double Dollars ( KDD ) program is designed to provide valuable benefits to eligible participants holding an EBT , PEBT , food stamp , senior , or WIC card . Participants have the opportunity to receive a dollar-for-dollar match on their chosen amount , with a maximum daily match of $ 20 . This doubling feature

allows participants to obtain specific fruit / vegetable coins , meat / dairy / egg coins , and wooden coins , which can be used to purchase fresh food and other food-based items . For further details , kindly visit the Kentucky Double Dollars tent located in front of the Pavilion entrance .

Those interested can keep up with the market via its weekly newsletter and it ’ s a simple sign-up at bereafarmersmarket . org . The newsletter contains information on what will be happening at the market , including entertainment and activities . The market is also on Facebook and Instagram .