Glens Falls Farmers Market Winters in Aviation Mall

The Glens Falls Farmers Market finished up its outdoor market on October 29, 2022. The indoor market runs on Saturdays from November 5, 2022- April 29, 2023. It is located in the food court area of the Aviation Mall. The indoor farmers market creates a relaxed ambiance with festive music. The food court fades away and the environment is welcoming and jovial. 

The Glens Falls Farmers Market Association has been bringing locally grown, produced and crafted products to communities around Glens Falls since 1976. The Glens Falls Market is a “Producers Only” Market. This means that the people who are selling the goods have also grown or produced these items. 

Alleged Farm has a stand at the Farmers Market. Their offerings include eclectic vegetables. Some of these vegetables, like quince, are popular in Europe but can be grown in our local climate. Alleged Farm features asian greens and likes to highlight different flavors and textures. 

Alleged Farm is located in Easton, New York. The fields have been farmed since 1788. Stewardship of the land is very important. This stewardship includes sustainable practices. Crop rotation, reduced tillage, and the use of cover crops and compost are tools that are used to maintain healthy soil. 

Alleged Farm participates in community supported agriculture known as CSA. Community supported agriculture is a crop sharing system that connects producers with consumers.  The consumer subscribes to the farm. This arrangement creates several rewards for both the consumer and the farmer. The advantage for farmers is that they get to start marketing their food before the 16 hour days in the fields begin. They receive payment early in the season which helps with cash flow, and they build relationships with the people that eat their food. 

The advantages for consumers is that they are getting ultra fresh food. They are exposed to new vegetables and ways of preparing them. Kids in the family are more open to trying new vegetables if they know the farm that the vegetables came from. Consumers can also feel good about helping to support a local farm. 

As the concept of community supported agriculture has taken shape and expanded variations of the idea have been introduced. The “Mix and Match” or “Market Style” CSA have become popular. This allows the consumer to create their own box or bag of veggies. There are sometimes limitations, like only allowing one box of strawberries per family. CSA’s have branched out. Some farmers offer eggs, homemade bread, meat, cheese and flowers. 

Community supported agriculture is not just a transaction, it is a shared risk model. The consumer pays up front for the entire season and the farmer tries to create an abundant box each week. However, if the harvest is light, the consumer will not be reimbursed. This idea of shared risk helps to create a sense of community. When things go wrong the community commiserates together and when things go well they celebrate together. Thomas Christenfeld is the Alleged Farmer and has CSA shares available. To learn more visit the website Theallegedfarmer, or call (518) 692-9065. You can also visit their farm stand at the Glens Falls Farmers Market.