The 2024 season of the Salem Farmers Market launched on Main Street with a vibrant turnout, as eager visitors explored a diverse selection of vendors. Running every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon until Christmas, the market sparked enthusiasm among both vendors and shoppers for the exciting season ahead.
Vendor Highlights
Asher’s Coffee specializes in fresh roasted coffee and hand-blended teas. Offering organic, fair trade, and low-acid options, the vendor takes a unique approach by treating coffee as an agricultural product. The pricing for coffee and tea products ranges from $10 hot chocolates and yerba mate to 12-ounce bags for $18. Bulk discounts are available for one-kilo and five-pound bags. Asher’s also operates in downtown Roanoke on Fifth Street and Campbell Avenue, offering pickup services and pour-over coffee options.
Primitive Farms: Based in Woolwine, the farm specializes in pork, lamb, and laying hens. The farm produces about 3,000 chickens annually and supplies high-quality eggs. The key to their exceptional eggs is a combination of high-quality non-GMO feed from Little Red Hen in Rocky Mount and fresh spring water.
Spice Titan: Owner Matt Rose has made a name for himself with his locally blended spices. He prides himself on using all-natural ingredients and keeping prices affordable. “All our spices are handcrafted, all-natural ingredients, all original recipes. We don’t go to the internet and do copycat blends. Even our Italian seasoning or taco blend is unique,” Rose said. Popular blends, like their Honey Ranch seasoning, have been developed based on customer requests. While their products are available at markets in Grandin, Salem, and Blacksburg, they emphasize selling in-person to maintain fair pricing.
Market Growth and Vendor Turnout
Market Manager Isaac Campbell shared his excitement over this year’s vendor participation, noting that opening day saw the largest number of vendors in recent years. The warm March weather contributed to a strong customer turnout, setting a positive tone for the season.
The market operates until Christmas, with peak traffic expected from June to October when seasonal produce, such as tomatoes, peaches, and watermelons, come into abundance. In addition to fresh produce, vendors offer baked goods, honey, spices, seafood, microgreens, and meats.
Expanding Food Accessibility Programs
The market remains committed to ensuring fresh, local food is accessible to all. Through Virginia Fresh Match, customers using EBT receive double the amount to spend at the market. “We also have the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, where qualifying seniors receive $50 to shop with vendors for fresh produce,” Campbell said. The market provides $1 EBT tokens for transactions and an additional $5 token program for vendors who do not accept cards.
A Look at the Market’s History
Established in 1992, the Salem Farmers Market has been a community staple for over 30 years. Last year, it earned certification as a recognized market, a distinction it continues to hold in 2025, ensuring best practices in food safety and accessibility.
Additional Market Days and Artisan Events
While Saturdays remain the primary market day, starting in June, a midweek market will be introduced on Wednesdays from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Additionally, on the fourth Friday of every month, the Artisan Market runs from 5:00 p.m., offering local artists a space to showcase and sell their work. Applications for participation open in May.
A Promising Season Ahead
As the Salem Farmers Market enters its 32nd year, vendors and customers alike anticipate a successful season. With new vendors, expanded market days, and increased community engagement, the market remains a vibrant hub for local food and artisanship.
