June 03, 2011
Director of Agriculture Names Top Farmers' Market for 2011
BADSEED Farmers' Market of Kansas City Named Missouri Farmers' Market of the Year
Today, the Missouri Department of Agriculture announced BADSEED Farmers' Market as the "Farmers' Market of the Year" for 2011 June 3. Director Hagler presented the award to Market Manager Brooke Salvaggio and husband Daniel Heryer at the market in downtown Kansas City.
"The Farmers' Market of the Year award recognizes the contributions Missouri's farmers' markets make to their communities, to Missouri farmers and the efforts of the people driving those markets toward success," said Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler. "I am proud to recognize BADSEED Farmers' Market for their commitment to providing high quality, locally grown food for their neighbors, and for providing their community with an outstanding gathering place."
In addition to locally-sourced organic produce, meats, eggs, baked goods and other food items, the BADSEED Farmers' Market regularly provides entertainment and serves as a community gathering place.
Manager Brooke Salvaggio and her husband Daniel Heryer have created a sense of community within the neighborhood by hosting educational classes and workshops, showcasing bands and artists, and encouraging people to ‘greet their farmers' during a visit. BADSEED also hosts special market features, including the popular ‘Super Wicked Pre-Thanksgiving Market' in November and ‘Super Festive Holiday Market' in December.
The BADSEED Farmers' Market is open from 4:00 to 9:00 on Friday evenings throughout the summer and is located at 1909 McGee St. in Kansas City. BADSEED also kicks off their summer season with their Farm Stand Market at their new 13 acre URBAVORE - Urban Farm, also in the heart of Kansas City. The farm stand is open Saturdays from 2:00 to 6:00 PM and is located at 5500 Bennington Ave. The farm also hosts Kansas City's first city-wide residential composting facility for both food waste and lawn and leaf debris.
The Farmers Market of the Year is selected through a competitive application process. Staff members from the Missouri Department of Agriculture's Agriculture Business Development Division review applications, including letters from the market's customers, farmers and leaders.
The annual Farmers' Market of the Year award is supported by the Missouri Department of Agriculture's AgriMissouri program and the Missouri Farmers' Market Association. There are approximately 190 farmers' markets in the state of Missouri.
Additional information about the BADSEED Farmers' Market is available online at www.badseedkc.com. For more information about the Missouri Department of Agriculture and its programs, visit www.mda.mo.gov.