Seattle temporarily suspends farmers markets to reduce coronavirus spread

SEATTLE — On this Sunday morning in Ballard, it was far from business as usual.

“Technically the Ballard Farmer’s Market is closed today,” said Doug Farr, Executive Director of the Seattle Farmers Market Association.

Because of some miscommunication, he called off Sunday’s market even though the city’s permit suspension isn’t effective until Monday March 16th.

“We notified all of our vendors that we were not going to be open for this weekend. A number of farmers had presales arranged with neighboring businesses, and so they said we need to come down and complete sales,” Farr explained.

A few other farmers and vendors also showed up. They set up shop in attempt to keep their farm alive. KIRO 7 spoke to Matt Steinman of family owned Foothill Farms in Sedro Wooley about the impact of the market’s closure.

“This market produces, provides us approximately 60-65% of our yearly income and so this is a huge hit,” said Matt Steinman.

For the last 20 years, the Ballard Farmers Market has been operating every Sunday, rain or shine connecting growers with shoppers. With space for 150 vendors, Farr said the market made $120,000 in sales this Sunday last year.

Shoppers hope the city reconsiders its stance on farmers markets amid coronavirus concerns.

“I think the farmers markets are actually grocery stores, and they may actually be the safest place you can buy food,” shopper Tamara Walker said.

Steinman said, despite this setback, he’s committed to keeping his workers employed. He’s looking at popping up at a brick and mortar, and considering other options to get his food to those who need it.

“We are looking for other ways to get to those people. At the same time, we’re not scaling back. If anything, we’re ramping it up because we feel it’s our responsibility right now,” Steinman said.

© 2020 Cox Media Group