Get to Know Portland Farmers Market's Kelly Merrick

PORTLAND, OR — Over the past 25 years, the Portland Farmers Market has grown from a small non-profit start-up founded by three local activists to a citywide staple with seven markets and more than 200 vendors. We spoke with Kelly Merrick, the Portland Farmers Market's communications manager, and she told us about some great new vendors who have recently joined the mix and shared Portland Farmers Market's plans for 2017.

Patch: How did the Portland Farmers Market first get started?

Kelly Merrick: Portland Farmers Market was founded in 1992 by three local activists who saw the potential for a farm to table marketplace. The first market was held in the parking lot at Albers Mill in Portland’s industrial district (now the Pearl) with 13 vendors. The market has grown and today, in 2016, Portland Farmers Market operates seven markets with more than 200 vendors. We are celebrating our 25th season this year and to celebrate this important milestone we published the Portland Farmers Market Cookbook, a collection of 100 seasonal recipes contributed by vendors, local chefs, staff and shoppers. It is available at all seven of our markets and at PortlandFarmersMarket.org. We also have a charitable non-profit, Farmers Market Fund, that operates programs to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables for our low income families.

Patch: Who are some new vendors making a splash at the farmers market? Who are some vendors who've been working with you the longest?

Kelly Merrick: A handful of our original vendors are still with us. Baird Family Orchard, Gathering Together Farm, Spring Hill Farm and Favorite Produce of Oregon are just a few of them. We were pleased to welcome several new vendors this year, including Plum Tree Jam, which sells all-fruit, pectin-free jam; Umi Organic Noodles, which sells organic ramen noodles; and Anahuac Organic Produce, a farm that works closely with local organizations to ensure farmworker rights.

Patch: How did you first get involved working with farmers markets?

Kelly Merrick: I started as a volunteer with Portland Farmers Market in 2012. I quickly grew to love the vendors, staff and the positive community atmosphere and decided I wanted to work for the market. So I patiently waited for a job to open and in the spring of 2015, I got my chance. It is a challenging and rewarding job.

Patch: What does the Portland Farmers Market have planned for 2017?

Kelly Merrick: Our mission is to operate farmers markets that support the success and prosperity of our vendors, so we will continue to encourage residents to visit farmers markets. We plan to continue education programs like our Kids Cook in the Market, Chef in the Market, kids play zone activities and special events and classes that bring community members together.

Patch: What's your favorite thing about autumn in Portland?

Kelly Merrick: Produce at the farmers market, of course! It’s a unique part of the year because you can find the last of the summer crops, like berries and tomatoes, along with hearty winter crops, like squash, pears, root veggies and greens.

Patch: What are three books that you'd recommend everyone should read and why?

Kelly Merrick: "The Portland Farmers Market Cookbook," of course! It is a beautiful book that is a testament to our vendors, shoppers and community supporters who have made our markets a success over the past 25 years. Plus, there are some delicious recipes. My current favorite is the parsnip-pear bread.

I also recommend anything by Michael Pollan and Mark Bittman – journalists and authors who tout the importance of eating healthy, real food.

Patch: What are some upcoming Portland Farmers Market programs people should check out?

Kelly Merrick: This time of year we encourage everyone to simply get out and shop the farmers market! We operate three markets (PSU, Shemanski Park and King) through Thanksgiving. Our PSU market is open year-round. Our fall markets are the perfect opportunities to get out and shop for the holidays while supporting local businesses. We can’t say it won’t rain though so we encourage shoppers to wear their rain gear, grab their tote bags and visit the markets regardless of the weather. For many of our vendors, especially farmers, a farmers market is often their primary source of income. The success of our vendors depends on our shoppers so we always encourage folks to get out and shop the market.

The Portland Farmers Market's website features a great calendar highlighting all of their upcoming events, including the King Great Pumpkin event on Saturday Oct. 30. Also check out their recipes section for great fall meals like grilled lamb burgers with feta, garlic and pint nuts.

Here's the full list of Portland Farmers Market locations and hours:

Portland State University (open year-round):
Location: SW Park & SW Montgomery
Hours: Saturdays: 8:30 to 2 p.m. (March - October); 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Nov-Feb)

Lents International:
Location: SE 91st Ave & Foster Road
Hours: Sundays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (through October 30)

Shemanski Park:
Location: SW Park & SW Main
Hours: Wednesdays: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (May 4 to November 23)

King:
Location: NE 7th & NE Wygant
Hours: Sundays: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (May 1 to November 20)

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